January 22, 2024 marks a significant day for a vast majority of Indians. The date marks the grand opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which many believe also signifies the return of Lord Ram at his home.
For auto industry, this also implies an opportunity to serve and meet the need of mobility for thousands of people who aim to visit the holy site. Interestingly, a vast majority of announcements in the last couple of days has been around the deployment of electric vehicles across segments to ensure a greener ride for the citizens.
Starting with the mass mobility segment, GreenCell Mobility is deploying 150 intra-city electric buses in Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony. This fleet it says will play a crucial role in providing intra-city transportation service to an estimated 2 million devotees within Ayodhya from mid-January to end of February, including the day of the ceremony and the surrounding days, marking a significant period for pilgrims and believers.
PMI Electro Mobility Solutions says it has deployed 153 new e-buses, which now takes its total to 203 e-buses now plying in Ayodhya. It expects to serve around 3 million people use the service of its e-buses by March.
In the three-wheeler segment, ETO Motors has bagged an order from the Uttar Pradesh government to deploy 500 electric three-wheelers with a special focus on Ayodhya.
Closely following the trend, Uber too has launched its services in Ayodhya by introducing electric autorickshaw in its fleet in the holy city. The company will also start operations of UberGo, its most affordable car product; besides Uber Intercity – the fast growing mobility product that will support all inter-city travel needs to Ayodhya from popular destinations within Uttar Pradesh.
In addition, Tata Power, a leading energy player has partnered Ayodhya Development Authority to set up EV charging points in public parking locations across the city. The strategic partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation solutions in the holy city of Ayodhya.
