Retrofitting Diesel Intercity Buses Could Create 50,000+ Jobs

02 Jul 2024 CW Team

The recent report highlighted the employment potential stemming from the adoption of retrofitting in inter-city diesel passenger buses. According to the report, converting current internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric ones, known as retrofitting, is projected to create a substantial number of jobs in the coming years. It was projected that this initiative would result in the addition of 6000-7000 direct jobs and 36,000-42,000 new indirect jobs over the next few years.

The report, jointly prepared by the EGROW Foundation in collaboration with Primus Partners, also emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of retrofitting. It explained that retrofitting involves replacing the original engine and associated parts with a new alternative energy source, thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional and new electric buses. The report further noted that if 20,000 buses are retrofitted annually, it could save approximately 500,000 tons of diesel and decrease crude oil imports by 12.7 million barrels per year. This initiative aligns with India's goal of creating 30-35 million new green jobs by 2047.

Additionally, the report analysed the financial implications of retrofitting, stating that it offers a quicker return on investment (ROI) compared to purchasing new electric buses. This aspect makes it an attractive option for both bus fleet operators and government authorities.

Overall, the report underscored the multifaceted benefits of retrofitting, from job creation to economic savings and environmental sustainability, positioning it as a viable strategy for advancing India's transport sector towards greener and more efficient practices.

Real Estate

16 Jul 2026

Bharat Shah Family Buys Four Luxury Apartments In Worli For Rs1.8 bn

The family of veteran investor Bharat Shah has acquired four ultra-luxury apartments on the higher floors of Kalpataru One in Worli, South Mumbai, for Rs1.8 billion (bn). The purchases were registered on 6 July 2026 and were executed through Preeti Bharat Shah and Kinnari Bharat Shah, who bought the flats from Kalpataru Properties Limited. Property registration documents reviewed by Zapkey show the total consideration at Rs1.7941 billion. The transactions recorded a per square foot RERA carpet price of Rs0.101 million (mn), with each apartment valued at about Rs448.5 million. The four residenc..

NITI Aayog Consultation On Critical Mineral Supply Chains

NITI Aayog convened a stakeholder consultation in New Delhi on Wednesday to assess requirements for critical minerals across strategic sectors, bringing together experts from government, research institutions, academia and industry. The meeting aimed to estimate current and future demand, identify supply chain vulnerabilities and discuss measures to strengthen domestic capabilities in exploration, processing and recycling. The exercise formed part of broader efforts to secure mineral value chains essential for economic growth, technological advancement and national security.\n\nDiscussions con..

Gujarat Tops India in Renewable Energy With 50.386 GW Capacity

Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading renewable energy state with a total installed renewable energy capacity of 50.386 GW, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. The capacity includes 15,850.56 megawatt (MW) of wind power and 32,302.7 megawatt (MW) of solar power, and the state accounts for 17.82 per cent of India’s total renewable energy capacity. The state ranks first in installed wind capacity and second in solar capacity. Gujarat has also installed more than 1.3 million (mn) rooftop solar systems generating 7,408.10 megawatt (MW). Ground mounted solar projects account for 23,259..