The first solar-powered smart bus stop in India was opened in Surat on Wednesday. The unique electric bus depot in Althan, which was developed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore and is regarded as a model of sustainable urban infrastructure for the rest of the nation.
The state-of-the-art facility has a 224 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and a 100 kW rooftop solar power plant. The station, which was created in partnership with the German development organisation GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), uses solar energy and recycled second-life batteries to provide green charging around the clock.
The station also provides facilities including free Wi-Fi, bus illumination, and charging stations, all of which enhance the commuting experience.
“The solar power plant generates energy during the day, which is subsequently stored in second-life batteries and utilised to charge electric buses at night,” according to Prakash Pandya, Executive Engineer of SMC’s Light and Energy Efficiency Cell. “This strategy promotes the use of renewable energy in public transport while simultaneously reducing the strain on the regional electrical system.”
The solar bus depot is anticipated to produce over 1 lakh units of power per year, which translates into energy cost savings of almost Rs 6.65 lakh. More significantly, it is an essential step in helping India reach its net-zero energy targets and promote sustainable transportation options.
Pandya said the project sets a standard for battery reuse and the deployment of sustainable energy, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility. “This is not just about infrastructure,” he said. “It’s a long-term effort to make public transport green, efficient, and future-ready,” he stated.