In a cost-cutting measure and to contribute towards a clean environment, the Kolkata Police (KP) is set to augment its transport fleet with 200 electric vehicles over the next few months.
An estimated ₹44 crore is likely to be earmarked for the project. KP will revive its 2023 plan to procure the vehicles. In a first, the EVs will be bought directly by the cops.
According to sources, the force was in urgent need for new vehicles after it had scrapped around 500 old vehicles. A tender was also issued for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of as many as 25 60KW EV charging stations (pedestal type) at different locations under KP limits at a cost of another ₹2.5 crore.
The 80 vehicles, which are currently in use, are on lease for eight years. According to the 2023 tender document, the manufacturing company bagging the contract would be responsible for the maintenance of the fleet for the next four years.
“The manufacturer should have successfully supplied a minimum of 500 EVs in a govt department (state and central) and undertakings in the last three years. They should also have authorised service stations in Kolkata,” states the document.
The new vehicles are likely to be divided among the traffic, wireless and other units. The traffic unit alone is likely to get 78 of these , said sources. “EVs will save up to ₹50 crore in the next eight years,” said an officer in Lalbazar. Cops claimed that they wanted to contribute to a cleaner environment by introducing a greener fleet. At least 6 quick charging points will come up across nine police divisions for these vehicles. However, a senior officer expressed doubt on the efficiency of EVs in active police force.
