In another attempt to generate non-fare revenue, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been setting up EV charging infrastructure across its metro stations. BMRCL is planning to extend this facility with 30 new swap stations at new metro stations.
Bengaluru has seen a boom in the EV sector as more players enter the market. The government subsidies and incentives for purchasing EVs have also contributed to the rush, but rising fuel costs have vastly influenced the shift. But one aspect that always bothers EV users is the inability to meet the kilometre range as compared to their counterparts, the internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The issue will be solved by the setting up of charging stations at metro stations. This also applies to metro users who use EV vehicles to get the required battery charge to reach their destinations, as the batteries also tend to lose charge when left idle.
Starting in 2021, BMRCL has been leasing out land for setting up these charging stations to encourage more EV users. As of now, BMRCL has identified 69 metro stations for setting up the EV charging infrastructure and swapping stations. Out of them, 38 locations have been commissioned for EV sector players, and 30 swap stations are currently under construction.
Most of the bidders have been for setting up battery swap stations. In the above 69 locations, four are two-wheeler charging stations, and the remaining 65 are swapping stations.
According to BMRCL estimates, they can earn INR 4 lakh per month, which is INR 48 lakh per annum, from this non-fare revenue model.
Charging infrastructure will come up in Mysore Road, Lalbagh, Whitefield, Channasandra, Kadugodi, Pattandur Agrahara (ITPL), Satya Sai, Nallurhalli, Kundalahalli, Seetharam Palya, Hoodi Junction, Garudachar Palya, Mahadevapura (Singayana Palya), KR Pura, Benniganahalli, Jayanagara, RV Road, Vajarahalli, Doddakallasandra, Nagasandra, Jalahalli, Peenya, Sir M Visvesvaraya, SV Road, and Attiguppe. These will be set up by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (HEID).
Additional swap stations at Majestic, Yelachenahalii, Sir MV Terminal, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Cubbon Park, and SV Road are provided by Reliance BP Mobility Limited.
In total, BMRCL has leased out 4,624 sq feet of their land for this purpose. Out of which, Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd has leased the maximum space with 3,714 sq feet leased out to them. In 2022, HEID set up Honda battery swap stations at five BMRCL stations: Banashankari, Trinity, Baiyappanahalli, KR Market, and National College. The station was initially established for electric auto rickshaws that are compatible with the Honda Mobile Power Pack.
