Latest news with #S.Ambika
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's plan for 20 EV charging stations sees no progress
More than one year has passed since the Coimbatore Corporation announced a ₹20-crore initiative to establish 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, but the project remains stalled. The only unit set up near VOC Park in June 2024 remains non-operational. Announced in April 2023, the project identified sites in R.S. Puram, Kalapatti, Valankulam, Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram Cross Cut Road, Tidel Park, Periyakulam, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti, and near Brookefields. Tata Power was engaged to install and operate the stations, which were intended to offer round-the-clock fast-charging services with provisions for remote monitoring and digital payments. However, no further progress has been recorded at the remaining locations. 'Public charging infrastructure is rare in and around Coimbatore. Most users rely on home charging. Even where public facilities exist, fast-charging is essential for practical use,' said S. Ambika, an EV user. Barathan Kuppusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Ozotec Automobiles, said that range anxiety remains a significant barrier to adoption. 'Charging stations must be as widespread as fuel outlets. Much of the existing infrastructure is based on European specifications; instead, it should be designed to meet the custom needs of Indian cities. Implementation is further constrained by grid-related challenges such as high-tension line clearance, the need for dedicated feeders, and electricity board-associated costs.' Between January 2024 and July 2025, 6,076 electric two-wheelers and 994 electric cars were registered under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore Central and West Regional Transport Offices. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the project did not take off due to administrative constraints. 'Several firms expressed interest. We have now shortlisted ten locations, including Semmozhi Poonga and D.B. Road parking. A fresh tender will be floated shortly. The Corporation will provide the land, and the selected bidder will handle the infrastructure and operations.'
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation initiates study to ease congestion at R.S. Puram junction
The Coimbatore Corporation has initiated a study to ease growing traffic congestion at the R.S. Puram junction. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said a team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will carry out a month-long study, which will include traffic volume counts, turning movement analysis, conflict point identification, and a reassessment of the available space at the junction. Necessary improvements will be taken up based on the report, he said. Once regulated by traffic signals, the intersection of DB Road and TV Samy Road now operates without them, as the area had been developed earlier under the Smart Cities Mission. 'The existing roundabout is not the best option for handling the traffic. It is often managed by a traffic police personnel, but still ends up getting choked,' said S. Ambika, a resident of R.S. Puram. G. Manuneethi, Divisional Engineer of the State Highways Department (Road Safety), said the junction earlier had a diameter of about 25 metres, which could accommodate a 14-metre roundabout and provide nine metres of motorable space. The existing roundabout is only about six metres in diameter, which is not ideal for turning radius,' he said.
