In a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving the travel experience for devotees, Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has presented 25 electric buses and a state-of-the-art EV charging station to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The donation was made as part of Reliance Foundation's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community development across India. The electric buses will operate on the route connecting the base town of Tirupati to the hill shrine of Tirumala, where millions of pilgrims visit each year. Alongside the buses, a dedicated charging station has been set up to ensure uninterrupted operation of the electric fleet.
TTD manages one of the busiest pilgrimage routes in the country, with an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 devotees making the uphill journey daily during peak seasons. The introduction of electric buses is expected to significantly cut down on diesel consumption and air pollution in the ecologically sensitive hill area, which has long been a concern for local authorities and environmental advocates.
Officials from both organizations described the initiative as a collaboration that blends corporate social responsibility with public welfare. Reliance Foundation emphasized that the donation aligns with its broader vision of promoting clean energy solutions and supporting infrastructure that benefits large sections of society. For TTD, the addition of electric vehicles marks a meaningful milestone in its efforts to modernize transport services while preserving the sanctity and natural environment of the temple town.
The event was attended by senior representatives of Reliance Industries and TTD administration, who expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a model for other religious sites across the country looking to adopt eco-friendly transportation systems. The buses are expected to commence operations shortly after final technical checks and driver training are completed.
