SNB, Entally among 4 sites to get KMC EV charging stns
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Kolkata: In a bid to curb air pollution by promoting
electric vehicles
, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to set up four more EV charging stations. Currently, the KMC electrical department runs three such charging stations.
According to the member, mayor-in-council overseeing KMC electrical department, Sandip Bakshi, land has been identified in Beleghata, Ultadanga (off EM Bypass), Entally, and S N Banerjee Road for setting up the EV charging stations.
It has already started setting up the charging station near Esplanade. It will have two 30 kW electric charging points only for four-wheelers. The proposed unit is being constructed at the eastern flank of KMC headquarters, at Hogg Street and S N Banerjee Road crossing.
It will be operational soon.
The lighting department of KMC has been supervising the work, and once operational, these will be handed over to the parking department. A Bangalore-based firm is setting up the EV charging station. It has installed several charging points for the NKDA in the past.
"Although it depends on car battery size, a completely drained battery of an e-car can get fully charged here in just 30 minutes due to its fast-charging capacity," said an expert working with the project.
KMC has roped in a Kolkata-based firm for setting up 12 EV charging stations across the city. According to the agreement, the civic body will provide space for setting up such charging stations and, in lieu, will earn a part of the revenue to be generated after these EV charging stations start functioning.
The civic body is in the process of identifying land near its parking lots that will be handed over to the firm for setting up the charging stations.
According to modalities being worked out before inking a pact, while the firm may be allowed to levy Rs 12-15 (maximum) on car owners for one kilowatt unit of charging an EV, KMC will earn Rs 1.2 from the deal.
An official said besides looking for land in locations identified for handing over to the firm, the civic body was also in search of plots in prime locations so that motorists find it convenient to charge their vehicles.
KMC also recently made it mandatory for realty developers taking up construction of high-rises to keep 50% of car parking space reserved for EV charging points.
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