Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) inaugurated India’s first solar-powered smart bus station on Wednesday at Althan. Developed at a cost of Rs 16 million, this electric bus depot is being hailed as a pioneering model for sustainable urban infrastructure nationwide.

The facility features a 100 kW rooftop solar power plant paired with a 224 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Designed in partnership with the German development agency GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the station offers 24x7 green charging support by utilising solar energy alongside repurposed second-life batteries. Additional commuter amenities include free Wi-Fi, bus lighting, and multiple charging points, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Prakash Pandya, Executive Engineer at SMC’s Light and Energy Efficiency Cell, explained that the solar power plant captures energy during daylight hours, storing it in second-life batteries to charge electric buses overnight. This innovative approach reduces strain on the local electricity grid while promoting renewable energy integration in public transportation.

The solar bus depot is estimated to generate approximately 100,000 units of electricity annually, resulting in energy cost savings of about Rs 665,000. More importantly, it marks a significant stride towards India’s net-zero energy objectives and the advancement of sustainable transport solutions.