BENGALURU (Metro Rail & Steel): In a bid to diversify revenue streams, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has embarked on an initiative to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at various metro stations. This move is part of BMRCL’s strategy to cater to the burgeoning demand in the EV sector while contributing to sustainable mobility solutions within the city. The plan includes extending the facility by adding 30 new swap stations at upcoming metro stations, aligning with Bengaluru’s escalating interest and investment in electric vehicles. The surge in the EV market, coupled with government incentives and subsidies, has led to an increased preference for EVs, especially amid soaring fuel prices.
Addressing the persistent concern among EV users regarding limited kilometer range compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the establishment of charging stations at metro stations aims to mitigate this issue. Additionally, metro commuters utilizing EVs can conveniently charge their vehicles during their transit, ensuring ample battery charge to reach their destinations, thereby eliminating concerns of battery depletion while idle.
BMRCL has been actively leasing out land for these charging stations since 2021, identifying 69 metro stations for the installation of EV charging infrastructure and swap stations. Currently, 38 locations have been commissioned for EV sector players, with 30 swap stations in various stages of construction. Most bids have been focused on setting up battery swap stations, with a majority of the identified locations (65 out of 69) allocated for swapping stations and the remainder for two-wheeler charging stations. The revenue projection from this non-fare model stands at approximately Rs 4 lakh per month, amounting to Rs 48 lakh annually, according to BMRCL estimates.
The charging infrastructure will span across strategic metro stations including Mysore Road, Lalbagh, Whitefield, Channasandra, Kadugodi, Pattandur Agrahara (ITPL), Satya Sai, Nallurhalli, Kundalahalli, Seetharam Palya, Hoodi Junction, Garudachar Palya, Mahadevapura (Singayana Palya), KR Pura, Benniganahalli, Jayanagara, RV Road, Vajarahalli, Doddakallasandra, Nagasandra, Jalahalli, Peenya, Sir M Visvesvaraya, SV Road, and Attiguppe. Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (HEID) is set to establish these facilities at several locations, including additional swap stations at Majestic, Yelachenahalii, Sir MV Terminal, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Cubbon Park, and SV Road, alongside Reliance BP Mobility Limited. Having leased a total of 4,624 sq. feet of land for this purpose, HEID has secured the largest space allocation of 3,714 sq. feet. In 2022, HEID initiated battery swap stations compatible with Honda Mobile Power Pack at five BMRCL stations, catering initially to electric auto rickshaws.
