With the arrival of green energy powered electric highways, India promises to transform transportation as we know it – by seamlessly connecting large distances. This foreboding initiative reflects the country’s insistence on healthy transportation and lowering its carbon emissions.
Green Mobility – A Step by Step Revolution in Travel?
In India, the ambitious programme includes the construction of 6,000 km of electric roads over the next seven years. Under the leadership of the Government of India’s Vision 2030 – PM Public Transport Sewa, this project is positioned to mainstream electric mobility and reduce vehicle emissions.
The electric highways will include charging stations powered mainly by solar energy, and are meant to be sustainable and energy efficient. Embraced routes such as the Golden Quadrilateral between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai will be first to experience this shift.
Pilot Projects Showcase Feasibility
As of now, test runs on Delhi-Agra (Yamuna Expressway) and Delhi-Jaipur (NH48) roads have succeeded, relieving range anxiety for electric car (EV) owners. These tests showcase how electric highways can accommodate interstate travel while not jeopardising EV safety.
EV Safety is At the Heart of Everything
A major aspect of the project involves tighter EV safety rules. The charging infrastructure will include fast-charging stations with high level safety features to mitigate overheating and electrical hazards. To increase customer confidence, the government is also promoting stricter testing and certification standards for EVs and charging stations.
Public-Private Partnership for Implementation
It will cost around 3,672 crores to convert 23 national highways into electrical corridors. It will be implemented under the Hybrid PPP framework – Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM). It leverages public-private collaboration to accelerate the construction and operation of infrastructure.
Reducing Costs and Emissions
Electric highways would significantly reduce logistics and emission rates in line with international COP28 climate targets. High-speed charging networks will encourage drivers and companies to use EVs and decrease fossil fuel consumption, enhancing sustainability.
A Vision for Electric Buses and Growing EV Use
The initiative also aims to switch 800,000 older diesel buses to electric buses by 2030. This includes 200,000 state buses, 550,000 private operator buses, and 50,000 school and employee buses. Such widespread deployment will build a fully-fledged EV ecosystem.
The Rise of EV Adoption
In India EV adoption is on the rise, EV registrations are increasing by 16% in the first half of 2024 over 2023, and electric mobility is growing at a staggering pace. There are now 16,344 public charging stations, 27,471 charging points and 10,756 fast-charging hubs in the country, providing a solid base for EV growth.
What Lies Ahead?
As India aspires towards a green future, the electric highways project is not just about convenience, but a road to sustainability. Higher safety requirements for EVs, along with strong infrastructure, are going to revolutionise travel and logistics.
We are not just looking for safer roads, but at electric highways – creating a cleaner, safer, and more connected India. Are you willing to join this revolution?
