Tag Archives: EV

Three upcoming airports aim to boost tourism in Gujarat

 

MLA Shailesh Mehta, inquiring about the Prime Minister’s 2018 declaration regarding the development of multiple airports, has received confirmation that an airport will be constructed 12 kilometers from Kevadia. This decision stems from the popularity of the Statue of Unity (SoU), which has drawn in over 1 crore tourists since its inauguration.

Kevadia is not the sole destination poised for growth. Airports are in the planning stages for Ferkuwa and Surova in Tilakwada, as well as Siddhapur and Vadnagar. Pre-feasibility studies are currently underway in these locations, laying the groundwork for improved connectivity and increased tourism potential.

“This initiative is a direct outcome of the remarkable success of the Statue of Unity,” affirmed a tourism department official.

“Siddhapur and Vadnagar are also experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals, and the enhancement of air connectivity will undoubtedly catalyze tourism in all three locations.”

The surge in tourism is evidenced by witnessing 50 lakh visitors to the Statue of Unity in 2023. To meet this demand, the government has consistently expanded facilities and introduced new attractions. Passenger amenities, including transportation, have undergone upgrades, and the recent introduction of 30 electric buses aligns with the vision of creating a sustainable “dream area.”

“Transportation holds utmost importance for travelers,” said the official. “Taking this into consideration, the Prime Minister has directed the transformation of the Statue of Unity into an Electric Vehicle (EV) zone, thereby augmenting its appeal.”

The surge in tourist numbers has resulted in the registration of over 4 lakh visitors since December 2023. The causes for this upswing are varied, encompassing an expanded array of attractions suitable for all ages, enhanced transport facilities, and distinctive experiences such as traditional tribal homestays. The well-maintained campus and emphasis on local employment opportunities contribute to the overall positive tourism experience.

Chennai’s Refex Group to invest INR 1,300cr for growth of biz travel

Chennai-based Refex Group, through its green mobility venture, will invest INR 1,300 crore in the next three years for expanding business. Refex Green Mobility provides third-party employee transportation using electric vehicles (EV).

Refex Green operates in Bengaluru and will introduce some 10,000 vehicles for expanding to new cities like Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi. The company on Monday commenced its operations in Chennai with 49 cars.

Refex Group has been in business for more than two decades and has diversified into refrigerant gas, renewables, ash and coal handling, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, airports and transportation, among other such business verticals, reports Shine Jacob for Business Standard.

“We are planning to invest around INR 1,300 crore in the next three years to expand our presence across the country,” said Anil Jain, MD, Refex Group. Refex Green started operations in March 2023 from Bengaluru as an all-EV initiative and will cater to business travel.

Refex Group said the travel service will help improve its environmental, social and governance (ESG) footprint and in abating carbon dioxide emission. The company also made an announcement about a new downtown office in Chennai, in addition to the existing premises in T Nagar.

“While the team at Refex Green Mobility has been working hard in Bengaluru since its commencement of operations in March, starting in Chennai to serve the corporates in our city was a natural progression for us. This is the right moment to also announce our new office in the heart of the city. The 15,300 square feet office space can accommodate 100+ employees and has the best of facilities for employees’ comfort,” said Jain. (Source: Business Standard)

EaseMyTrip to offer BluSmart’s fleet of EVs in Delhi-NCR & Bengaluru

EaseMyTrip.com has partnered with BluSmart, an all- electric ride-hailing service and EV charging superhub operator, for its cab services. EaseMyTrip will now offer an environment-friendly fleet into an existing line-up of cabs with this partnership. This partnership aims at providing sustainable travel solutions for all EaseMyTrip customers, marking a significant milestone in the green mobility sector.

As part of this association, EaseMyTrip customers can now conveniently book airport transfers with BluSmart’s fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru directly through its website.

BluSmart’s overarching goal is to decarbonise India’s mega cities through 100% electric, sustainable, efficient, and affordable mobility solutions. With over 250+ million fully electric kilometers covered and more than 7.5+ million trips served since 2019, BluSmart has established itself as a pioneer in the EV mobility space.

Rikant Pittie, Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “At EaseMyTrip, we believe in a sustainable and responsible approach on travel. Our partnership with BluSmart aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting environmentally-friendly transportation solutions. By integrating their fleet into our travel offerings, we aim to create a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions while providing our customers with eco-conscious travel options.”

Anmol Singh Jaggi, CEO and Co-founder, BluSmart, “We are excited to partner with EaseMyTrip, as we believe that this will accelerate the EV transition further and empower individuals to proactively contribute to a greener future, making a tangible and positive difference to the environment.”

This collaboration signifies a definitive step towards decarbonisation of the transportation sector, where both companies pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and responsible way of traveling.