Ahmedabad gets its first ‘Cool Bus Stop’ to beat the heat

Ahmedabad: As temperatures rise in the city, the civic body has implemented the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan. As part of this initiative, a ‘Cool Bus Stop’ was introduced at Lal Darwaja’s platform numbers 7 and 8 on Tuesday. The project, led by AMC and AMTS in partnership with Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), features ‘khus curtains’ made from dried vetiver grass to enhance natural cooling.

Selected for its high exposure to direct sunlight and a daily footfall of around 3,000 commuters, the bus stop is equipped with a high-pressure mist cooling system. This system releases fine water droplets that absorb heat, lowering the temperature by 6-7°C and providing a more comfortable waiting area.

The energy-efficient cooling setup consumes significantly less electricity than traditional air conditioners, reducing energy usage and carbon emissions. It also includes smart features such as an automated timer panel, water- and electricity-saving mechanisms, and a dust suppression system to improve air quality.

The launch event was attended by Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Standing Committee Chairperson Hemant Parmar, AMTS Chairman Dharamshibhai Desai, and Mahila Housing Trust Programme Manager Dipika Vadgama. DeshGujarat