70% Work On Nariman Point To Delhi Expressway Done
Transport Minister Gadkari said his dream is to make the automobile industry Rs. 15 lakh-crore biz
MUMBAI, Aug 19 (The CONNECT) – “Let us plan luxury electric buses that can travel from Mumbai to Delhi in just 12 hours.”
Stating this, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said his for the Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway is to connect Nariman Point to Delhi. 70% of work has already been completed, he said yesterday launching Ashok Leyland Electric Double Decker Bus, Switch EiV 22.
Pitching for electricity as an alternative fuel, Gadkari said 35% of pollution in the country is due to diesel and petrol. He, therefore, highlighted the need for import-substituting, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous products.
“It is time for India to start using alternative fuels like electricity, ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, bio-CNG, bio-LNG and green hydrogen for automobile sector,” he said.
Gadkari stressed on the need to transform the country’s transport system, looking from a long-term perspective. “With a focus on reforming urban transport, we are trying to build a low carbon footprint and high passenger density integrated Electric Vehicle (EV) mobility ecosystem. With growing consumer demand for greener transport solutions, the Government’s vision and policies aim to encourage higher adoption of electric vehicles,” he said.
- Know more about the National Electric Mobility Mission here.
As per Ashok Leyland, Switch EiV 22 is India’s first and unique electric double decker air-conditioned bus, which has been designed, developed and manufactured in India. The company informs that Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features.
Sharing his plans for the automobile industry, Gadkari said, “My dream is to make the automobile industry from the current size of Rs. 7.5 lakh crores to Rs. 15 lakh crores by the end of the year 2024.” This is an achievable target, he added. The Minister observed that the sector has maximum employment potential and gives maximum taxes to central and state governments.
About Switch EiV (according to Ashok Leyland)
The Switch electric double decker can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as compared to a single-decker bus, with just 18% increase in kerb weight (without the passengers).
With contemporary styling and feel-good interiors and exteriors, the double decker boasts of wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards. The AC offers effective cooling in India’s hot climatic conditions, while the optimized seating for 65 passengers is the maximum number of seats to be offered in the given footprint.
Each seat has a lightweight cushion and the interiors come with car like comfort for passenger convenience. This state-of-the-art electric double decker serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting, as they occupy less road, terminal and depot floor space per seated passenger.
