Awareness Workshop for Electrification of Intermediate Public Transport- Ahmedabad and Mehsana

The Center of Excellence in Urban Transport, CRDF, organised a series of awareness workshops cum exhibitions in Ahmedabad and Mehsana to promote the electrification of intermediate public transport, as part of the UK PACT programme's project on 'Strategy and Action Plan for Electrification of Public Transport and Intermediate Public Transport in Indian Cities.'  As part of an extensive base situation assessment, it was recognised that creating awareness among IPT operators about E-3W vehicles was critical. Discussions with IPT associations revealed that there were misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about electric vehicles and their characteristics among IPT drivers, which posed a major constraint to project execution.

To address the apprehensions regarding operational and financial viability of e-autos, several awareness workshops were organised by the project team. Plug-in variants of E-3W models were exhibited during the workshops, and drivers were provided with information on the latest EV technology, vehicle design, vehicle cost, bank loan details, and encouraged to take test drives of the displayed E-3Ws models.

In Mehsana, two workshops were conducted on 25th September 2021 and 24th December 2021, with the support of the District Magistrate and Collector, District Development Office, RTO, Nagarpalika, and autorickshaw association. More than 200 drivers participated in the workshops.

Similarly, two workshops were organized in Ahmedabad on 2nd October 2022 and 18th December 2022, with the support of AMC, RTO, Traffic police, School Rickshaw Association (SAA), and Original Equipment Manufacturers. The workshops were attended by several dignitaries. The first workshop focused on imparting basic information on various E-3W models available in the market, subsidies provided by government and the operation economics of the vehicle. The second workshop focused on the financing process, where loan-related queries were resolved by a representative from the State Bank of India. The representative also introduced everyone to the Mudra Yojana for E-3Ws, a loan scheme offered by the government to support the purchase of electric vehicles. The workshops were attended by 200 drivers.

Overall, the workshops provided a platform for 3W drivers to gain a better understanding of E-3W technology and its financing options. The involvement of various government agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders helped to create a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of E-3Ws and encouraged the wider adoption of electric vehicles for IPT.

For more details about the project, click here.