MA&UD is introducing reforms for ULBs to ensure a greener future

The Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) has announced urban reforms for a greener future, including the push for energy conservation measures in all urban local bodies (ULBs) and the preparation of PPP-based EV charging and shared e-mobility proposals in major cities.

After the Council of Ministers approved the Andhra Pradesh Action Plan on Resource Conservation and Self-Reliance on May 14, an action plan has been created to reduce avoidable electricity and fuel consumption and promote self-reliance and rapid electric mobility, according to a ministry release.

As ULBs are among the largest consumers of publicly funded energy, the ministry has directed all municipal commissioners and urban development authorities to initiate nationwide energy conservation efforts involving street lights, municipal buildings, water and sewerage pumping stations and others.

The Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration has been directed to commission an energy audit of all ULBs in the state. The audit, which will take place in phases, will establish energy baselines, identify inefficiencies, quantify avoidable waste and recommend cost-effective corrective actions.

Emphasis was placed on the optimization of street lighting, the elimination of daylight, the rationalization of feeder posts, the conversion of remaining non-LED luminaires, the dimming of lights during night hours with little traffic and the limitation of decorative lighting. The ministry has also directed ULBs to enforce energy conservation measures at municipal offices and public buildings.

The commissioner has also been directed to identify proposals for cycle lanes in Tirupati, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to promote cleaner urban transport.

The MA&UD Department has directed the Commissioner to prepare a proposal for commissioning electric car charging stations in PPP mode across ULBs. This proposal will be based on GOrt.No.499, issued on April 30, within the operational framework of the AP Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0.

Under this, five e-mobility model cities including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Nellore and Tirupati will receive ₹50 crore each. ULBs can provide land or space, grid connection facilitation, metering support, right-of-way permits and single-window municipal consents, while private partners will invest in charging equipment, operations, maintenance, billing systems, insurance and performance guarantees, according to the report.

The commissioner was also asked to prepare a proposal for piloting shared e-scooter and e-bike mobility services in five model cities after studying international models.

Published – 19 May 2026 22:00 IST