In a significant push towards sustainable urban mobility, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), in collaboration with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd, has launched electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping facilities at 31 locations across Mumbai. The initiative, which covers 25 Metro stations on Lines 2A and 7, along with six Monorail stations, aims to enhance convenience for EV users while supporting the city’s green transport agenda.
The battery-swapping stations are equipped with Honda’s advanced E:swap technology, allowing users of compatible electric two- and three-wheelers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under two minutes. This system is designed to reduce range anxiety and minimise vehicle downtime, making EV usage more practical for daily commuters.
Key installation points include busy transport hubs such as Gundavali, Andheri West, Malad West, Dahisar East, and Goregaon East on the Metro network, and Chembur, Wadala, Naigaon, and Mint Colony on the Monorail corridor. The first operational E:swap station at Dahisar East positions Mumbai among the first Indian cities to incorporate battery-swapping infrastructure within a public transport system.
Beyond environmental gains, the project is expected to generate approximately Rs 30 lakh in non-fare box revenue annually for MMMOCL, thereby contributing to the financial viability of the city’s mass transit services. The initiative aligns with the corporation’s broader Electric Vehicle Policy, which promotes the development of a low-emission, sustainable urban environment.
However, some urban planners have raised concerns about the placement of these stations on pedestrian footpaths, warning that they could hinder movement in already crowded areas. Experts recommend that authorities explore alternate locations to ensure that infrastructure growth does not compromise pedestrian safety.
Source: Urban Acres
