EVs Make Way To Ayodhya, Uber, Greencell Turn First-movers

Amid the vibrant developments surrounding the construction of the grand Ram temple and the impending consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, the ancient city has become a focal point not only for religious fervour but also for innovative progress in transportation. As Ayodhya emerges as a prominent destination, drawing an estimated 15-18 crore tourists from India and abroad over the next five years, electric vehicle companies are seizing the opportunity to contribute significantly to the city's transportation landscape.

The allure of Ayodhya's growing tourism potential has prompted a surge in interest from electric vehicle pioneers. Recognizing the importance of providing pollution-free transportation to the multitude of visitors, companies such as Uber, Greencell, PMI Electromobility, and ETO Motors have already positioned themselves in Ayodhya. Their proactive entry into the city signifies a commitment to not only meeting the rising transportation demand but also aligning with environmentally conscious practices.

Uber

Cab aggregator Uber has flagged off its E-auto rickshaw service in Ayodhya under its catrgory Uber Auto. The company said it will also start operations of UberGo - its affordable car service along with Uber Intercity in Ayodhya that will support all inter-city travel needs to the holy city.

“With this expansion, we are not only providing enhanced mobility options for tourists and pilgrims but also unlocking earning opportunities for many more in the region,” said Prabhjeet Singh, President Uber India and South Asia.

Tata Power

Tata Power has joined hands with the Ayodhya Development Authority to set up EV charging points in public parking locations across the city. The strategic partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation solutions in the holy city of Ayodhya.

Under this collaboration, Tata Power proposes to install EV charging points at key locations accessible to the public, including Parking Survya Kund, Guptar Ghat, Amaniganj multi-level parking (MLCP) in front of the Jalkal Department; Kaushesh Kunj MLCP parking near the Ayodhya railway station; Tedhi Bazar MLCP parking on the East and West sides of Ayodhya; and the Collectorate Office parking in Ayodhya.

Greencell Mobility

GreenCell Mobility has also announced that the Director of Urban Transport selected Greencell Mobility as a partner to deploy 150 intra-city electric buses to Ayodhya for the momentous Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.

This fleet will play a crucial role in providing intra-city transportation service to an estimated 2 million devotees within Ayodhya from mid-January to end of February, including the day of the ceremony and the surrounding days, marking a significant period for pilgrims and believers.

Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility said, “We are humbled and excited to be part of Ayodhya becoming an eco-friendly tourist hub, as we deploy our buses in the city. Our mission has always been to promote sustainable transportation solutions, and the government’s decision to utilise electric buses for this grand occasion aligns perfectly with our vision. It’s not just about ferrying passengers; it’s about being a part of a collective journey towards a cleaner and greener future.”

ETO Motors

ETO Motors has bagged an order to deploy 500 electric three-wheelers in Uttar Pradesh, with special focus on Ayodhya. The Letter of Award (LoA) given by the Uttar Pradesh government has given the company the responsibility to deploy and manage the electric three-wheelers in Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Agra, Mathura, and Gorakhpur, ETO Motors said in a statement.

Notably, ETO Motors has received authorisation to initiate the deployment with a special focus on Ayodhya, coinciding with the inauguration of the Ram Temple, it said. The strategic launch in Ayodhya aims to facilitate devotees visiting the sacred site, marking a beginning for the integration of electric mobility into cultural and religious events, the company said.

BLive

Samarth Kholkar, Co-Founder & CEO, BLive said that the city is set to attract even more devotees & visitors in the next few years. We've seen that many historical places in India with high footfalls are severely polluted and are now trying to take corrective measures. But cleaning them up now is a difficult task.

“In view of this, we must make sure that the holy air of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, remains pure and pollution-free. The deployment of e-rickshaws, e-cycles and e-buses in large numbers will be a game-changer,” he added.

He said that platforms like BLive, which provide end-to-end EV solutions, can help the state government in this endeavour. The adoption of comprehensive sustainable mobility solutions will ensure that the ecosystem of Ayodhya won't be adversely affected with the arrival of hordes of visitors.

With the influx of visitors expected to Ayodhya, the role of electric vehicle companies becomes crucial in addressing the transportation needs efficiently and sustainably. As these companies gear up to cater to the heightened demand, Ayodhya is witnessing a dynamic shift in its transportation paradigm, laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more technologically advanced future. In this race for progress, numerous other electric vehicle companies are also poised to join the movement, ensuring that Ayodhya becomes a showcase for the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and cultural heritage.

With this holy city becoming a thriving destination for various sectors ranging from tourism, hospitality to handlooms, real estate, and other, Ayodhya is going to contribute largely to state’s economy.