Battery swapping stations to come up at 31 Metro, Monorail stations in Mumbai

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) has collaborated with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd. to set up battery swapping stations at 31 main Metro and Monorail stations in Mumbai.
The project that was rolled out on Tuesday, ahead of World Environment Day, will benefit electric vehicle (EV) users, particularly those using two- and three-wheelers for daily use and delivery runs.
The collaboration will feature Honda's 'E:swap technology' installed at 25 Metro stations on Lines 2A (Yellow Line) and 7 (Red Line), as well as six Monorail stations.
These battery replacement facilities will enable EV owners to replace their spent Honda Mobile Power Pack with a new, fully charged battery in less than two minutes.
The instant swapping capability obviates the waiting time that comes with traditional refuelling and overcomes the increasing problems of range anxiety, making EV adoption more convenient within the dense city.
For commuters, particularly for delivery personnel, fleet operators,and frequent two-wheeler riders, this innovation adds convenience.
'Rather than hunting for charging points or waiting for hours, users will be able to just drive into a specific Metro or Monorail station and exchange their battery quickly before resuming their commute. This not only conserves time but guarantees uninterrupted access to power while commuting through daily city life,' an MMRDA official said.
Metro stops like Gundavali, Andheri West, Malad West, Dahisar East, and Goregaon East are among the numerous places that will be equipped with these battery swap centres.
Monorail stations like Chembur, Wadala, Naigaon, and Mint Colony will also be prepared for the same.
The facility will be made available to users of Honda-compatible electric two- and three-wheelers, with each station following all possible technical, safety, and environmental regulations.
According to officials, it not only encourages environment-friendly commuting but also provides economic value to the transit agency.
MMMOCL anticipates generating about Rs 30 lakh in non-fare box revenue from this association, increasing the financial sustainability of mass transit systems.
The project is also a component of MMMOCL's wider Electric Vehicle Policy, sanctioned under the guidance of Metropolitan Commissioner and MMMOCL Chairman Dr Sanjay Mukherjee in its 29th board meeting.
The statement from Mukherjee said, 'This partnership with Honda is an important step towards fulfilling our vision for a sustainable low-emission urban environment. Through the facilitation of rapid and easy battery swapping at Metro and Monorail points, we are building the foundation for future-capable transport.'
According to him, the policy is looking to develop integrated, future-capable urban mobility solutions through private sector involvement in the development of green infrastructure.
With the initial station already up at Dahisar East, the network will be growing fast throughout the city, making Mumbai among the first Indian cities to combine battery swapping with public e-transport infrastructure, he added.

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