Surat: In yet another feather in the cap for the cleanest city, Surat now houses the country’s first solar-powered smart bus station. Newly built by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) at Althan at a cost of ₹1.60 crore, the 100-kilowatt rooftop solar plant is set to become a model of green innovation and inspiration for the entire country.

Developed in collaboration with the German organization GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the project features facilities such as Wi-Fi, lighting, and a 24×7 green charging system for electric buses—powered through a rooftop solar plant and a second-life battery storage system.

Providing more details, Prakashbhai Pandya, Executive Engineer of the Light and Energy Efficiency Cell, said a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant and a 224 kilowatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) have been installed at the country’s first solar energy-based electric bus depot in Althan. The ₹1.60 crore project has been fully implemented with the support of the German aid agency GIZ.

He further said, “Under this project, the electricity generated from solar energy during the day is stored in second-life batteries. It is then used to charge electric buses at night. As a result, the load on the power grid is reduced, and greater use of renewable energy has become possible.”

Explaining the main attraction of the project, he said that the electric bus depot will generate approximately 1 lakh electricity units annually and will save approximately ₹6.65 lakh in energy costs. Therefore, this project will serve as a great example not only for Surat but also for the entire country in terms of environmental innovation.

He added, “This is not just about the use of technology, but an effort to make public transport green and sustainable. The used batteries are currently being repurposed. It is an effort to enhance their sustainability through reuse. Hence, this project will prove to be a role model for the entire country. It will be an important step toward achieving the goals of Net Zero Energy and Sustainable Energy as envisioned by the Surat Municipal Corporation.”

Solar energy initiative from Althan, Surat reaches national level:

The solar energy-based smart bus stop implemented by the Surat Municipal Corporation in the Althan area is now attracting national attention. Equipped with features like Wi-Fi, mobile charging, LED lights, fans, and CCTV, this bus stop makes public transport both green and technologically advanced. This pilot project, associated with energy saving and environmental benefits, is now becoming an inspiring model for cities across the country.

Expected outcomes and benefits of the Althan project:

The project promotes green public transport in the city through the integration of solar energy and second-life battery storage. The solar energy stored during the day can be used to charge electric buses and vehicles at night, thereby reducing the load on the power grid. Surat Municipal Corporation’s green mobility and net zero goals will be accelerated. Additionally, the principles of a circular economy will be strengthened by reusing old batteries. This model has the potential to emerge as a scalable and sustainable framework for future urban electric vehicle infrastructure.

Expected benefits of the Althan project:

The combination of solar energy and battery storage implemented for Surat Municipal Corporation’s Althan Electric Bus Depot will generate approximately 1,00,000 kWh of electricity annually for the municipality. This will result in estimated savings of ₹6.56 lakh in energy bills. This cost-effective green technology will prove beneficial not only for Surat but also as a sustainable alternative for urban transport. DeshGujarat