EV battery stns below Metro could obstruct pedestrian, fear experts
Experts working on pedestrian-friendly initiatives in Mumbai said that anything that obstructs pedestrian movement should be avoided, and the e-battery units should be placed at other strategic locations. 'The staircases to any form of mass transit are heavily congested,' said an expert. 'The authorities should identify locations after thorough research. Moreover it's not that these e-bikes will be used by passengers for last-mile connectivity; they will only benefit the app-based operators using e-bikes.'
MMRCL sources dismissed the concerns, saying that e-bikers would be able to swap batteries in a matter of minutes and leave the battery-swapping station without causing too many problems for pedestrians. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd has installed the first such unit at Dahisar East, and going forward, will install them below 25 stations of Metro 2A and Metro 7 and six monorail stations.
'This collaboration is the first major rollout under our Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy to promote clean energy solutions and smart last-mile connectivity,' said an official. 'This E-swap system allows electric two- and three-wheeler users to exchange their depleted Honda Mobile Power Pack e-battery for a fully charged one in under two minutes.'
MMMOCL officials said that all installations would adhere to strict safety, technical and environmental standards, ensuring smooth access and high usability for daily EV users, including delivery agents and fleet operators. MMMOCL will earn an estimated amount of ₹30 lakh in non-fare revenue. Under the EV policy, various private players can participate in this environment-friendly initiative to install such battery-swapping centres along Metro Lines 2A and 7.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
5 days ago
- News18
What Do You Think Of Mumbai Metro-11 From Anik Depot To Gateway Of India? Tell MMRCL By August 20
Last Updated: Mumbai Metro 11 will have underground stations covering areas such as Wadala Truck Terminal, Sewri, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, and Crawford Market, terminating near Gateway of India The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has invited suggestions and objections from citizens on the proposed 17.5-km Metro Line-11, which will stretch from Anik Depot to Gateway of India, passing through key locations like Bhendi Bazaar and Nagpada. The project, financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a key part of Mumbai's expanding metro network and aims to enhance connectivity in the city's eastern and southern corridors. Metro-11: Anik Depot to Gateway of India Metro Line-11 will have underground stations covering major areas such as Wadala Truck Terminal, Sewri, Byculla, Bhendi Bazaar, and Crawford Market, terminating near Gateway of India. Only Anik Depot will be at ground level. Metro Line 11 will link with Metro Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavli), the Aqua Line, the Monorail, and major suburban railway stations like Byculla and CSMT, making it a vital interchange route in the city's public transport network. The MMRCL published the alignment and environmental and social impact assessment report for the proposed Wadala-Gateway of India underground Metro Line 11. According to the report, over 2,200 trees will either be cut or transplanted, and 796 structures are likely to be impacted by the construction work, affecting a total of 801 families. As per the social impact assessment report for this proposed metro 11, total permanent land requirement for the project is estimated at 24.65 hectares, including 15.85 hectares for the proposed depot at Anik Bus Depot, which will be developed jointly with the existing bus facility. While most of the alignment is underground, the project will require land for entry/exit points and ancillary services. Temporary land usage of around 17.44 hectares is also planned during the construction phase. Efforts have been made to minimize displacement and land acquisition, with only 2.3 hectares of private land needed. However, the corridor will affect certain residential and commercial structures, including huts, and may result in relocation. Compensation will be provided as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and in accordance with the MMRC and MUTP resettlement policies the report reads. How and where to give feedback on Metro-11? What happens after that? The report has been uploaded on MMRC's official website, and the corporation has invited objections and suggestions from citizens and stakeholders till August 20. This public consultation process is expected to guide final decisions and any possible changes to the project design or route. Written suggestions or objections can be submitted until 6 PM on August 20, 2025 to the Director (Planning & Real Estate Development), MMRC, at the Bandra-Kurla Complex or via email. A public hearing will be held following the consultation period, with details to be announced through newspapers. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt extends current EV policy till March 2026, plans BS4 truck retrofitment for BS6 compatibility
The Delhi government aims to have a wider and comprehensive public consultation about the draft EV Policy before its implementation. (Getty Images via AFP) Notify me The Delhi government has decided to extend the current Delhi EV Policy until March 31, 2026, as it aims to facilitate wider public consultation for the draft of the new policy. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh on Tuesday announced that the draft of the new Delhi EV Policy will undergo wider public consultation, which is expected to take time, resulting in an extension of the current EV Policy. PTI quoted Singh saying that the policy extension was among the matters listed for Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, and it has been decided to extend the same. 'The current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, or until a new policy is approved, whichever is earlier," Singh reportedly said to the news agency. The minister said that the move aims to facilitate comprehensive consultations with all the relevant stakeholders, including citizens, industry experts, private organisations, and environmental groups. During this extended period, key provisions of the Delhi EV Policy will be discussed, including strengthening the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reviewing subsidies and waivers to boost EV adoption, developing robust systems for safe e-waste and battery disposal, and clearly defining the role of the public and private sectors in advancing the electric mobility ecosystem. Singh added that given Delhi's air pollution crisis, this participatory approach is seen as a crucial step towards framing a more effective, inclusive, and forward-looking EV policy that promotes clean and sustainable urban transport. He also added that the government has urged active public participation in the consultation process to collectively shape the future of electric mobility in the capital. The current Delhi EV Policy was first introduced in 2020. It lapsed in August 2023, but since then, it has been extended multiple times. The Delhi government had discussed the draft policy on April 15 but deferred the approval of key proposals, including the phasing out of CNG auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel-based two-wheelers within two years. The draft policy envisions 100 per cent electric vehicle adoption in the national capital over the next three years. Delhi govt plans to retrofit BS4 trucks to BS6 compatibility In view of the approaching ban on the entry of BS4 trucks in the national capital, the Delhi government is going to invite innovative ideas for retrofitting of these commercial vehicles to meet BS6 compliance, said Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday. The minister has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to hold an innovation challenge to find technological solutions to the issue. PTI has reported that the winning entry, whose technology will be used by the government, will be awarded a prize money of ₹ 25 to ₹ 50 lakh. The innovation challenge will be held in three stages — in the first stage, the proposal will be evaluated based on the paper submitted; the second stage will be focused on carrying out an exhaustive study of the proposal, following which ₹ 5 lakh will be given for testing the technology as part of the third stage. The certification will be given by The National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Sirsa said that if commercial vehicles won't be allowed to enter Delhi, it would lead to a crisis. "We will hold this challenge to invite solutions for retrofitting of BS4 trucks," he reportedly said. The minister also added that this will also help in curbing pollution in the national capital. The challenge will also involve finding solutions to reduce emissions from BS4-compliant vehicles. "The innovation challenge will be focused on identifying and promoting low-cost, easy-to-maintain and effective technological solutions capable of reducing/absorbing PM 2.5 and PM 10 emissions of at least twice the amount emitted from BS-IV vehicles operating," the minister said. This move from the Delhi government comes at a time when, from November 1 this year, only BS6, CNG or electric commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the city. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 23 Jul 2025, 08:02 am IST
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Draft still in the works, govt. extends existing EV policy
Transport Minister Pankaj Singh on Tuesday announced the government has decided to extend the existing Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy up to March 31, 2026, as stakeholders are yet to hold consultations on the draft of the new policy. On April 15, the Cabinet discussed the draft policy and deferred approval of key proposals, such as phasing out CNG auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel-based two-wheelers within two years. The new policy aims for 100% adoption of electric vehicles in the Capital over the next three years. 'The current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, or until a new policy replaces it before that,' Mr. Singh said after the Cabinet meeting. The Minister said, during the extended period, there will be discussion on the key provisions of the policy, which include strengthening of the EV charging infrastructure, developing robust systems for safe e-waste and battery disposal, reviewing subsidies and waivers to boost EV adoption, and clearly defining the role of the public and private sectors in advancing the electric mobility ecosystem. The previous Aam Aadmi Party government first introduced the EV policy in 2020, which lapsed in August 2023, and it has been extended since then.
