A fleet of ten battery-powered vehicles was unveiled at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri by Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi and Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik. With an emphasis on helping the elderly and those with disabilities at this revered cultural site, this project, which is sponsored by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) as part of its CSR program, intends to provide eco-friendly transportation for tourists.
Minister Joshi emphasized the need of sustainable transportation solutions at cultural places while handing over the car keys to Shri Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Joshi stated that IREDA’s participation in such CSR initiatives reflects its commitment to India’s green energy mission and improved accessibility at cultural landmarks. “The introduction of battery-operated vehicles here underscores our commitment to green energy and offers a sustainable transport option for all visitors,” Joshi said.
The project was praised by IREDA’s CMD, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, who said, “IREDA is honored to support heritage sites through eco-friendly initiatives.” This idea gives tourists a sustainable travel choice and supports our goal of promoting renewable energy alternatives.
Senior representatives from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, and IREDA attended the launch, along with Dr. B. K. Mohanty, Director (Finance), and Shri Siddharth Shankar Swain, District Magistrate of Puri. Officials prayed at the Lord Jagannath Temple after the occasion.