An AMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the electric bus charging stations at AMTS and BRTS bus terminals will be connected to solar panel systems.

Initially, the solar panels will be installed at the Ranip BRTS charging station, which will function as a floating route charging station for electric buses running on the western route.

The solar panel installations will then be introduced at Naranpura and Vastral charging stations and later at AMTS charging stations in Jamalpur, Vadaj, Sarangpur and other locations.

The green bus project falls under AMC’s Air Quality Management Cell, which is working on multiple projects to improve the city’s air quality. These include new pavement roads, park and garden development, urban forests/oxygen parks, mechanical smart parking systems, CNG furnaces in crematoriums, automated traffic regulation systems and procurement of CNG buses. The cell is now working on powering electric buses with solar energy, with over 34 EV charging stations to be set up at different locations, all equipped with solar panels.

The AMC also implemented several solar energy projects in the past.

In Feb 2024, it installed solar systems at water treatment plants in Kotarpur, Rasala and Jaspur. These installations are expected to save 1.6 to 2 million units of electricity annually.

In Sep 2024, the standing committee approved a proposal to set up a 30 MW ground-mounted solar park on 120 acres in Sheradi village of Sabarkantha for Rs 154 crore. The corporation will acquire the land through a 27-year lease agreement, with the facility expected to generate 41.20 million units annually, save Rs 20.60 crore in electricity costs and reduce CO2 emissions by 37,704 tonnes per year.

The AMC has also invested in wind energy projects across various talukas of Kutch, saving Rs 191.71 crore from 21 MW wind energy projects and Rs 8.75 crore from 7 MW solar plants.

Reference : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/amc-plans-solar-powered-ev-charging-stations-for-its-buses/articleshow/122672779.cms?utm_

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“We are driving innovation. A revolution in mass mobility is underway,” he said, stressing the role of technology, accessibility, and environmental responsibility in shaping India’s infrastructure future.

Highway expansion and new technologies

On the national road network, Gadkari reiterated the target of constructing 100 km of highways daily and upgrading 25,000 km of two-lane roads to four lanes. National highways have increased from 91,287 km in 2013–14 to 1,46,204 km as of now, while high-speed corridors have expanded from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km.

To enhance safety and efficiency, the ministry is introducing AI-based monitoring, precast construction methods, and 3-ft-high road barriers. A proposal to plant 20–25 crore trees along highways is also under review, with a “tree bank” plan currently being considered by the environment ministry.

Urban and remote connectivity projects underway
Gadkari revealed that pilot projects like Metrino pod taxis, hyperloop transport, and elevated pillar-based networks are being planned for cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru. “Days are not far off when cities will have cable-run buses and electric rapid mass transport with aeroplane-like facilities,” he said.

In hilly and remote areas, 360 ropeway and funicular railway projects are in development, with 60 currently underway. Locations include pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath. These systems are aimed at providing safe and efficient transportation on steep terrain.

In Nagpur, tenders have been floated for 135-seater electric buses capable of reaching speeds of 120–125 km/hr. Equipped with premium seating and air conditioning, these fast-charging vehicles (30–40 minutes) will undergo trials before being deployed on intercity routes, such as Delhi–Jaipur and Mumbai–Pune.

Green fuel push and pollution reduction goals
Gadkari said India’s transition to green energy is progressing, with 11 companies—including Tata, Toyota, Hyundai, and Mahindra—agreeing to manufacture flex-fuel vehicles that run on ethanol or methanol blends. These vehicles aim to reduce fossil fuel dependency and lower emissions.

India’s transport sector contributes nearly 40 percent of the country’s air pollution, according to Gadkari. The shift to alternative fuels is expected to significantly reduce the Rs 22 lakh crore fuel import bill and lower logistics costs from 14 percent to 9 percent of GDP by the end of the year.

The minister recently stated that India could become a net energy exporter within the next 6–7 years, supported by advancements in ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen fuel technologies.

Reference : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/roadways/nitin-gadkari-unveils-vision-for-green-mobility-including-135-seater-electric-buses-hyperloop-ropeways-and-more/articleshow/122277100.cms

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