MSRTC to establish e-charging infra at 196 added ST depots across Maha
In keeping with the recently implemented electric vehicle (EV) policy, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is primed to establish electric charging infrastructure at 196 additional state transport (ST) bus depots across Maharashtra. According to the transport department, e-charging facilities have already been installed at 78 ST bus depots at an expenditure of ₹236.71 crore as of April 2025. The work to operationalise similar facilities at another 118 locations is currently in advanced stages.
This initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to address environmental concerns and the impact of climate change by promoting electric mobility. Under the EV policy, special emphasis is being placed on building the necessary infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, as well as along major highways. As per the directives, each bus depot, ST stand, and halt under MSRTC is to be equipped with at least one fast-charging station.
As per the information shared by the MSRTC, the latter conducted a survey of 251 ST- depots and 565 stands and identified 196 key locations in regions including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Amravati for the implementation of EV charging facilities. The work at these stations has been entrusted to a private company. Financially, the state government allocated ₹300 crore for the fiscal year 2023–24 and ₹85 crore for 2024–25 totalling ₹385 crore to support this initiative. Out of this, ₹236.71 crore has already been spent to complete the first phase involving 78 bus depots.
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said, 'The charging points are being strategically set up at bus stations that handle high traffic and long-distance routes, where electric buses (e-buses) are already in operation. The state is preparing for a rise in the number of e-buses in the MSRTC's fleet by planning the necessary infrastructure in advance.'
'Initially, the charging infrastructure being developed by the contracted companies was meant exclusively for existing e-buses in MSRTC's fleet including models such as the e-Shivai, Shivshahi and e-Shivneri,' he said.
However in a forward-looking decision, Sarnaik has instructed that the infrastructure be upgraded to accommodate e-buses from various manufacturers that may be inducted in future. This move aims to ensure flexibility and long-term utility of the state's growing EV
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Pakistan army chief Asim Munir courts US opinion makers amid bid to reset strategic ties
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to recalibrate Pakistan's global narrative and bolster ties with Washington, Field Marshal Syed concluded a series of high-level engagements in the United States, meeting senior American scholars, strategic experts, and international media representatives during an official visit to Washington DC, the Pakistani military said on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a carefully choreographed diplomatic offensive, Munir interacted with leading think tanks and policy institutions, offering what officials described as 'Pakistan's principled perspectives' on evolving regional and global dynamics. His engagements underscored Islamabad's renewed focus on international outreach amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in South Asia. The army chief reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional stability, counterterrorism, and a rules-based global order, pitching the country as a responsible actor in an increasingly multipolar world. Munir spoke at length about Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy, highlighting military operations such as Maarka-e-Haqa and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He reminded his audience of Pakistan's role as a frontline state in the global war on terror, citing the 'immense sacrifices' borne by its security forces and civilians. Without naming India, Munir warned against 'regional actors using terrorism as an instrument of hybrid warfare' – a familiar refrain in Pakistan's diplomatic lexicon referring to its neighbour. While not new, the accusation resurfacing in the US capital, signalling Pakistan's intent to shape the security discourse in South Asia. Munir also showcased Pakistan's economic aspirations. He pitched the country's untapped potential in IT, agriculture, and mineral wealth, calling on global stakeholders to invest in these 'engines of shared prosperity'. From foreign policy to economic diplomacy, Munir portrayed Pakistan as a country pursuing dialogue, diplomacy, and international law — an image Islamabad has been keen to project as it seeks to distance itself from past reputational baggage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Discussing Pakistan-US relations, Munir called for transforming the historical security-centric engagement into a multidimensional partnership grounded in strategic convergence and mutual respect. He acknowledged past cooperation on counterterrorism and economic development but pushed for a broader framework of engagement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army's media affairs wing, participants appreciated the candid nature of the discussions and acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to maintain regional stability. The meetings were seen as a trust-building exercise amid evolving US priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and growing scepticism over Islamabad's commitments. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to reset ties with major powers, especially after its recent economic crises and shifting regional alignments. With India drawing closer to the US and Afghanistan remaining volatile, Islamabad is attempting to reposition itself as an indispensable — if complicated — regional player.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Fun beyond the track at Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit
Image credit: Formula E/X The Jakarta E-Prix not only offers visitors at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit the chance to watch the Formula E race, but there is also much more to enjoy at the venue beyond the GEN3 Evo cars on the track. From special performances by live DJs to the opportunity to experience Formula E in a simulator car, there are plenty of fun activities available for fans including food stalls and Kids Area. Visitors can experience thrill of driving a Formula E car Beyond the on-track action, Formula E ticket holders can enjoy an immersive experience in the Fan Village at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit at Ancol Beach Park. Attendees can hone their racing skills on state-of-the-art Formula E simulators, giving them a taste of the thrill of driving a race car. Formula E Hits Jakarta! Heat, Hustle & High Stakes | Season 11 Round 12 Preview The FIA Girls on Track program is a recurring initiative at every E-Prix. As part of its mission to empower young women through education and opportunity, up to 120 girls from Jakarta (aged 12–18) can take part in workshops, gaming, and career talks, along with a Pit Lane walk and a special trophy presentation opportunity. The program emphasizes gender equity and education in a traditionally male-dominated industry and is supported by Hankook (Presenting Partner), ABB (Principal Partner), and Fortescue Zero (Official Partner). Live performances at Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit As part of this year's official theme, 'Electrifying the Future', Formula E is turning up the voltage with the announcement of three major headliners. Indonesian DJs Dipha Barus, Una, and Patricia Schuldtz will deliver exclusive live performances on the Formula E stage. DJ Patricia recently made an appearance to greet the public during Car Free Day on Sunday (June 8), alongside Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, and received a warm welcome. For younger Formula E fans, there are several adventure activities in the Kids' Area, thoughtfully designed to foster curiosity, encourage innovative thinking, and promote sustainability. A large food court also offers visitors a wide variety of local flavors to enjoy. Also Read: Jakarta E-Prix 2025: Race timings, where to watch Round 12 Formula E race, rain prediction The final Jakarta E-Prix race is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at 3:05 PM local time (1:35 PM IST). Visitors can watch the race from multiple grandstands. Those unable to attend can follow the action via the Race Centre on the Formula E website or watch the race live on television. In India, the race will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Mint
11 hours ago
- Mint
Tata Motors eyes rare earth magnet sources, has enough stocks: Chandrasekaran
Tata Motors Ltd has enough stock of rare earth magnets, and the company is scouting for new sources amid China's export curbs, Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said. 'As of now, we are OK; we are not facing any issues. We are able to source the magnets we need, and are working on securing alternative sources of rare earth magnets,' Chandrasekaran said at the company's 80th annual shareholders' meeting on Friday. 'We are working with the government (on the issue).' Tata Motors, India's largest automaker by revenue, is among numerous businesses affected by China's export curbs on rare earth magnets, which are critical in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Though the curbs were imposed in April as a trade war between the US and China and flared, the two rivals have since reached a deal. However, exports to India remain blocked, and domestic companies are pushing the government to engage Chinese officials to ease supplies. Chandrasekaran's comments on the rare earth magnet issue come a day after R.C. Bhargava, chairperson of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, India's second-largest automaker and largest carmaker, said his company's stocks of rare earth magnets will last until July. On 11 June, Reuters reported that Maruti Suzuki had cut near-term production targets for its maiden electric vehicle e-Vitara by two-thirds because of rare earth shortages. The e-Vitara was expected to launch before September end. Out of the 54 shareholders who posed questions at Friday's virtual AGM, a fourth referred to rare earth magnets and the situation on the US tariff front. The chairperson also addressed the concerns of shareholders on US tariffs. 'The tariff impact will be primarily on Jaguar-Land Rover. Tariff has gone up from 2.5% to 27.5%, and under the UK-US FTA, the tariff is 10%. The overall impact would have been 1.6 billion pounds. But due to the steps taken by JLR, the impact has gone down to 600 million pounds, which is visible in the margin guidance,' Chandrasekaran told shareholders. JLR, the British subsidiary of Tata Motors, has trimmed its guidance on revenue growth to 5-7% for FY26 from 10% mentioned earlier. The company attributed the reduction to the impact of the tariffs and the slowdown in the Chinese market. In an interview with Mint earlier, Shailesh Chandra, managing director at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said that rare earths are required for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. China said on 4 April that companies seeking rare earth magnets must submit applications with end user certificates to the Chinese embassy, which then go to the provinces from where magnets are sourced. After approval from provincial authorities, the Chinese commerce ministry has to approve the applications. So far, no Indian company has received approval to receive shipments of these critical items. As per industry estimates, it takes about 45 days to get approval. Bajaj Auto Ltd's executive director Rakesh Sharma said during the company's earnings call on 29 May that the industry will face production cuts starting July if the situation is not resolved. However, Tata Motors' leadership remains confident that the situation is under control and will likely be resolved. Chandrasekaran said the Tata Group will continue its investments in the electric vehicle business, and will likely achieve the 30% penetration target in its overall portfolio before 2030. This was Chandrasekaran's first appearance at a Tata Group company annual general meeting this year. Earlier, he skipped the AGMs of Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) and Tata Consultancy Services on 18 and 19 June, as top Tata Group officials attended to the crisis over the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June. The AGMs of TCPL and TCS were presided over by board members P.B. Balaji and Keki Mistry, respectively. Chandrasekaran also condoled the deaths from the AI accident, and requested the board members and shareholders to observe a minute of silence. 'My thoughts are with family and friends who lost their loved ones and I know, we have the same feeling,' Chandrasekaran said in his opening address. 'This has been a long and unsettling week for all of us as a nation, as a group and at a very human level, navigating a very deep sorrow, grief and uncertainty all at the same time.' The chairperson also spoke of Ratan Tata, the group's chairman-emeritus who died last October. 'I had the opportunity to constantly share updates with Ratan Tata about the business in the last few years. While we all miss him, I want you to know that he would have been very proud of the turnaround of the business as Tata Motors was very close to his heart,' Chandrasekaran told shareholders.
