India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors, has declared the successful installation of its complete charging infrastructure at the Worli BEST Depot. It is the fourth electrified depot in Mumbai after Backbay, Malvani, and Shivaji Nagar depots. This move enables all BEST electric buses to have a wider reach across the city of Mumbai. Tata Motors has arranged to supply the buses for BEST as per schedule.
Mumbai’s most important signature dignitaries attended the inauguration of the new Worli depot conducted by means of a grand ceremony. Mr. Aaditya Thackeray, Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Maharashtra Government, Mrs. Kishori Pednekar, Mayor of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Mr. Ashish Chemburkar, Chairman of the BEST Undertaking committee and Mr. Lokesh Chandra, IAS, General Manager of BEST undertaking, took part in the inauguration. Other members from the Government of Maharashtra, BEST, and Tata Motors also attended the ceremony.
The Maharashtra Government has placed an order of 340 e-buses in order to develop the commercial EV infrastructure in the country. The new e-buses are part of the FAME-II initiative by the Government of India to encourage e-mobility. Tata Motors will not only monitor the maintenance, deployment, and operation of the buses but also deliver them in a phased manner. The brand will arrange 140 units of the 12-meter 35-seater model and 200 units of the 9-meter 25-seater model.
The new e-buses feature air-conditioning, roomy interiors, comfortable and ergonomic seats, charging ports, among a few features for the passengers. The ‘Lift Mechanism’ feature allows for easier ingress and egress of passengers, including specially-abled individuals. Innovative Intelligent Transport System, Telematics System, and Regenerative Braking are some of the other key features available. According to Tata Motors, the buses have undergone testing across various conditions and terrains to offer the most optimal comfort and performance.
The private and commercial sectors of vehicles in India have witnessed significant growth in EVs. This is courtesy of EVs having far more benefits than their internal combustion counterparts. The biggest advantage of the e-bus would be its overall cost of maintenance along with close to negligible emissions. Thanks to e-buses, pollution levels are kept in check as their diesel counterparts are significant contributors to air pollution.
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