Surat has launched India’s first solar smart bus stand at the Althan bus depot, an innovative, eco-friendly facility designed to power electric buses using solar energy stored in repurposed electric vehicle batteries. The stand operates 24×7 green charging supported by a 100 kW rooftop solar plant and a 224 kWh battery energy storage system, besides offering free Wi-Fi, LED lighting, and other commuter amenities.
Developed by Surat Municipal Corporation with technical support from the German agency GIZ, the project is expected to generate 100,000 units of electricity annually while saving ₹6.65 lakh each year in energy costs. Officials emphasize this milestone as a crucial step toward Surat’s net-zero energy goals and a model for sustainable public transport across India.
Solar-Powered Innovation and Technology at the Althan Bus Depot
The newly inaugurated Althan bus depot stands out as a self-sustaining transport hub that marries renewable energy with commuter convenience. The depot’s 100 kW rooftop solar power plant captures solar energy throughout the day, feeding it into a 224 kWh energy storage system composed of second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This approach not only promotes clean energy but also extends the lifecycle of EV batteries, contributing to waste reduction and circular economy principles.
Prakashbhai Pandya, Executive Engineer at Surat Municipal Corporation, highlighted, “Solar power generated during the day is stored efficiently and used around the clock to ensure uninterrupted green charging for our electric buses, reducing pressure on the city’s electricity grid.” The lighting, fans, CCTV surveillance, and free Wi-Fi services further enhance the comfort and safety of commuters and staff alike, making the depot a model of smart infrastructure.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Surat’s solar smart bus stand is expected to generate approximately 100,000 units of electricity annually, directly powering the city’s expanding fleet of electric buses. This renewable power output translates into substantial financial savings, with the Surat Municipal Corporation estimating a yearly reduction of ₹6.65 lakh in energy expenses.
The project shifts the city’s public transport operations toward greater sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity. Moreover, the repurposed EV batteries play a pivotal role in waste diversion and promote sustainable consumption practices.
This project aligns with global and national efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. As cities across India face rising pollution and energy challenges, Surat’s smart bus stand demonstrates the viability of integrating solar power and battery storage for eco-friendly urban mobility.
A Vision for Clean and Smart Cities
Surat’s solar bus depot is a beacon for other Indian urban centres aiming to modernize their public transport systems while minimising environmental footprints. The fusion of solar energy with energy storage technology shows how cities can make efficient use of renewable resources and second-life technologies to build sustainable infrastructure.
This project complements Surat’s broader commitment to green energy and electric mobility, with plans to expand solar charging facilities for its fleet in the future. It is also an example of how collaborative efforts between local governments and international agencies, such as GIZ, can fast-track the adoption of innovative green solutions.
By prioritizing renewable resources and embracing circular economy approaches, Surat is successfully positioning itself as a leader in climate-responsive urban development.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise the significance of Surat’s solar smart bus stand as a powerful example of how cities can balance technological advancement with ecological care and social responsibility. This project reflects a deeper commitment to kindness towards our planet and our communities, emphasising that innovation must serve both environment and society.
It encourages us to foster harmony between progress and planet protection, inspiring others to think innovatively about sustainable urban living. In a world grappling with climate emergencies, green infrastructure projects like this offer hope and tangible solutions.
