Surat Unveils India’s First Solar-Powered Smart Bus Station

07 Jul 2025 CW Team

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.

Describing the project as a fusion of cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship, Pandya emphasised that the initiative sets new standards in battery reuse and clean energy deployment. “This is not merely infrastructure,” he said. “It is a long-term commitment to making public transport greener, more efficient, and future-ready.”

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

VECV Sales Rise 7.8 Per Cent In May 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles recorded sales of 7,978 units in May 2026, compared to 7,401 units in May 2025, registering growth of 7.8 per cent. This included 7,789 units from the Eicher brand and 189 units from the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,789 units during the month, up 7.3 per cent from 7,258 units a year earlier. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 9.1 per cent to 7,375 units from 6,758 units in May 2025.Exports declined 17.2 per cent to 414 units from 500 units in the corresponding month last year. Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses recor..

Table Space Strengthens DESYN Leadership Team

Table Space has announced strategic leadership appointments within DESYN, its integrated Design and Build business, as it looks to strengthen operations across key enterprise and GCC markets in India. DESYN was launched as a strategic extension of Table Space’s workspace solutions portfolio to meet rising demand for agile, high-quality and rapidly deployable enterprise workspaces.Shruti Ookabhoy has joined DESYN as Executive Director and will lead the Design vertical, focusing on design capability, operational excellence and team development across markets. She brings over 22 years of experi..

Concord Associate Bags Rs 2.79 Bn Kavach Order

Concord Control Systems said its associate company, Progota India, has received a Rs 2.79 bn domestic order from Indian Railways for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of on-board Kavach 4.0 loco equipment.The order is scheduled for execution within 12 months and strengthens Concord’s role in India’s railway safety and signalling ecosystem. Kavach is India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, designed to improve operational safety by helping prevent signal passing at danger and reducing collision risks.Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Syst..