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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Battery swapping stations to come up at 31 Metro, Monorail stations in Mumbai
The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) has collaborated with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd. to set up battery swapping stations at 31 main Metro and Monorail stations in Mumbai. The project that was rolled out on Tuesday, ahead of World Environment Day, will benefit electric vehicle (EV) users, particularly those using two- and three-wheelers for daily use and delivery runs. The collaboration will feature Honda's 'E:swap technology' installed at 25 Metro stations on Lines 2A (Yellow Line) and 7 (Red Line), as well as six Monorail stations. These battery replacement facilities will enable EV owners to replace their spent Honda Mobile Power Pack with a new, fully charged battery in less than two minutes. The instant swapping capability obviates the waiting time that comes with traditional refuelling and overcomes the increasing problems of range anxiety, making EV adoption more convenient within the dense city. For commuters, particularly for delivery personnel, fleet operators,and frequent two-wheeler riders, this innovation adds convenience. 'Rather than hunting for charging points or waiting for hours, users will be able to just drive into a specific Metro or Monorail station and exchange their battery quickly before resuming their commute. This not only conserves time but guarantees uninterrupted access to power while commuting through daily city life,' an MMRDA official said. Metro stops like Gundavali, Andheri West, Malad West, Dahisar East, and Goregaon East are among the numerous places that will be equipped with these battery swap centres. Monorail stations like Chembur, Wadala, Naigaon, and Mint Colony will also be prepared for the same. The facility will be made available to users of Honda-compatible electric two- and three-wheelers, with each station following all possible technical, safety, and environmental regulations. According to officials, it not only encourages environment-friendly commuting but also provides economic value to the transit agency. MMMOCL anticipates generating about Rs 30 lakh in non-fare box revenue from this association, increasing the financial sustainability of mass transit systems. The project is also a component of MMMOCL's wider Electric Vehicle Policy, sanctioned under the guidance of Metropolitan Commissioner and MMMOCL Chairman Dr Sanjay Mukherjee in its 29th board meeting. The statement from Mukherjee said, 'This partnership with Honda is an important step towards fulfilling our vision for a sustainable low-emission urban environment. Through the facilitation of rapid and easy battery swapping at Metro and Monorail points, we are building the foundation for future-capable transport.' According to him, the policy is looking to develop integrated, future-capable urban mobility solutions through private sector involvement in the development of green infrastructure. With the initial station already up at Dahisar East, the network will be growing fast throughout the city, making Mumbai among the first Indian cities to combine battery swapping with public e-transport infrastructure, he added.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
EV battery stns below Metro could obstruct pedestrian, fear experts
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMMRCL), which operates metro rail lines in the city, has partnered with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd, to install e-Swap battery stations at metro and monorail stations. However, there are fears that the already congested footpaths below these stations will be further swamped and cause problems for pedestrians. 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.
