A highlight of the trip was a comprehensive field visit at the Rajghat e-bus Depot, where the team had the opportunity to examine the operations.

New Delhi, March 23, 2024: Shri E Kharmalki, IAS, Commissioner of Transport, Meghalaya, engaged in a crucial discussion in Delhi, taking a significant step forward in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable mobility. The event, organised under the "Electrifying Meghalaya" initiative by the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), is set to spark a dynamic exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two regions for energy-efficient transport solutions.

A highlight of the trip was a comprehensive field visit at the Rajghat e-bus Depot, where the team had the opportunity to examine the operations and advancements in charging infrastructure, particularly showcased through the e-buses. The first-hand experience shed light on the particulars of planning and implementing charging facilities, underlining the various aspects of e-mobility infrastructure development.

Joined by officials from the Meghalaya Transport Department and representatives from Shakti Foundation, RTI International, AEEE, CESL, and Autobot, the delegation gathered valuable insights regarding the procurement and operational details of electric buses and charging infrastructure. Discussions also delved into the challenges associated with the adoption and maintenance of e-buses, alongside strategies for optimising charging station efficiency. Detailed specifications of various bus models and charging stations, including fast and slow chargers, were shared by the depot staff, enriching the understanding of technological nuances.

 Following the enriching field visit, AEEE hosted a Strategic Dialogue on Electric Vehicle Adoption at their office premises in New Delhi, led by Mr Pramod Kumar Singh, Senior Director, Research and Programmes, and Dr Vikas Nimesh, Senior Research Associate from AEEE. The dialogue covered critical topics such as fleet retrofitting, forthcoming training initiatives in the state, and the development of tailored Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculators, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to nurturing a comprehensive EV ecosystem. Insights on aggregator policies and targeted vehicle segments further augmented the discourse, aligning with a shared vision for a sustainable future.

During the visit, Shri E Kharmalki, highlighted the Meghalaya government's proactive stance towards integrating electric buses into intracity fleets under the Prime Minister's E-Bus Sewa Scheme. He emphasised ongoing collaborations with AEEE to spearhead transformative interventions aimed at reshaping the transport landscape in Meghalaya, fostering an inclusive and equitable transition to EVs.

This collaborative endeavour signifies a significant leap towards a greener and more sustainable transportation paradigm, not only for Meghalaya but also sets an example for other regions. With collective efforts, the journey towards sustainable mobility gains momentum, promising a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.