Tag: Green Mobility

Automobiles

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 1st Goa Auto Show 2025, Spotlight on Electric Vehicles

Tanisha Cardozo

The 1st Edition of the Goa Auto Show 2025 was inaugurated at Kala Academy, Panaji, by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of Transport and Panchayat Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho and other dignitaries. This landmark event brings together leading automobile brands and cutting-edge technology to showcase the future of transport, with a special emphasis on Next Generation Electric Vehicles (EVs).

As the state of Goa pushes forward in its mission toward clean and sustainable urban mobility, this exhibition serves as a dynamic platform for innovation and public engagement. Citizens, industry professionals, students, and auto enthusiasts are invited to experience the latest trends in green transportation, including high-efficiency EVs, smart mobility systems, eco-conscious design, and advanced automotive engineering.

The show reflects Goa’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and integrating future-forward infrastructure into its transportation ecosystem. By spotlighting electric vehicles and green technologies, the Goa Auto Show 2025 is more than just an expo—it is a step toward environmental responsibility, lifestyle change, and technological evolution.

The Kala Academy exhibition space has been transformed into a vibrant arena of mobility, featuring top Indian and international automotive brands, interactive displays, test drive zones, and educational booths. This open-to-all event is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage informed consumer decisions, and spark conversations about the role of transport in a sustainable future.

With Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasizing the government’s proactive support for green innovation, and Shri Mauvin Godinho highlighting the importance of public engagement in the EV movement, the Goa Auto Show sets a precedent for similar initiatives in the future.

Whether you’re an industry insider, student, or simply an enthusiast, this event is an opportunity to witness the road ahead—where smart, sustainable, and electric is not just a concept, but a reality in motion.

Travel

Hon’ble Minister Rohan A. Khaunte Flags Off KTC Electric Bus Service Between Mapusa and Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive move toward greener and smarter mobility solutions, the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) has introduced a new electric bus service connecting two major hubs of North Goa—Mapusa and Panaji. The service was officially flagged off by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, and MLA of Porvorim, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, during a ceremony held at Art Park, Porvorim.

The inauguration event witnessed the presence of local leaders including ZP Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch Smt. Sonia Sanjay Pednekar, and members from the Socorro, Penha De Franca, and Salvador Do Mundo Panchayats. Their participation highlighted the collective community effort toward building sustainable infrastructure.

During the flag-off, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing public transport systems through innovative, sustainable solutions. “The Government of Goa is committed to improving public transport infrastructure with sustainable solutions. The introduction of electric buses on this crucial route not only reduces congestion and travel time but also aligns with our vision of creating a cleaner and greener Goa,” he stated. He further underlined how this initiative supports the Regenerative Tourism model by focusing on environmental sustainability and community welfare.

The two electric buses will operate daily on a fixed route with strategically planned stops, including Paliem, Vaddem, Kharrem, Socorro Church, Ambirna, Paithona, Torda (Ganesh Temple), Art Park, Ramvadeshwar Temple, Britania House, Kavlekar Super Market, Porvorim Old Market (GCA), Maharudra Hanuman Temple (Housing Board), Clock Tower (Gadge Maharaj Hall), and Sanjay School, before reaching the Panaji Bus Stand. The return journey follows the same route in reverse.

Morning services begin at 7:30 AM, with one bus leaving from Mapusa and another from Panaji. Return services operate at 10:00 AM. The afternoon schedule begins at 4:30 PM and concludes with a return trip at 6:30 PM.

This reliable and environment-friendly transportation alternative is expected to be a boon for daily commuters, students, and professionals who travel between the two towns. More importantly, it sets a new benchmark for clean, community-focused public transport systems in the state, contributing significantly to Goa’s broader climate and mobility goals.

Automobiles

India Accelerates Towards Green Mobility: PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Made-in-India EV for Global Markets

Tanisha Cardozo

India took a bold stride towards becoming a global hub for green mobility as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two landmark initiatives at the Suzuki Motor Plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat. The event marked a transformative moment in India’s green energy journey, reinforcing the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

At the center of this historic day was the launch of Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—the e-VITARA—which will now be manufactured in India and exported to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Europe and Japan. This development officially positions India as Suzuki’s global production hub for electric vehicles.

In a parallel breakthrough, PM Modi also launched domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This step signifies a crucial shift in India’s EV supply chain dynamics, ensuring that over 80% of the battery value is now manufactured within the country.

PM Modi highlighted that what began over a decade ago, when land was first allotted to Maruti Suzuki in Gujarat, has now matured into a global export powerhouse. He emphasized that the new EV initiatives reflect both India’s engineering capacity and its growing importance in global value chains. He praised the late Osamu Suzuki’s vision and the expansion of India-Japan cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.

Acknowledging the broader significance of the developments, the Prime Minister noted that India is now exporting cars—and electric vehicles—back to Japan, a testament to India’s rising capabilities and global trust in its manufacturing standards. He stressed that companies like Suzuki are not just foreign investors, but brand ambassadors of India’s industrial transformation.

Further emphasizing clean mobility, PM Modi announced plans for hybrid ambulances, developed within just six months by Maruti Suzuki, as part of the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme. These vehicles are set to modernize emergency services while aligning with India’s clean energy goals.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s dedication to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem. Until recently, India imported nearly all its EV batteries, but now, with the local production of hybrid battery components, the nation is moving quickly toward self-reliance. PM Modi noted that initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission, which will launch over 1,200 exploration campaigns, aim to secure rare earth minerals essential for EVs and semiconductors.

PM Modi credited sustained reforms over the past decade for the dramatic growth in manufacturing—electronics production has grown by 500%, mobile phone output by 2,700%, and defence production by over 200%. He emphasized that the focus on plug-and-play infrastructure, logistics parks, and PLI schemes have transformed India into a competitive industrial destination.

Highlighting the depth of India-Japan ties, PM Modi shared how Japan played a key role in the early editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and how personal efforts were made to ensure comfort and cultural integration for Japanese investors—from golf courses to cuisine. He announced that he would be visiting Japan next week, further reinforcing the strength of the bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on Indian states to compete in attracting global investors through reform-driven, pro-development policies. He expressed confidence that the initiatives launched today will lay the foundation for a developed India by 2047, with Japan continuing to be one of the country’s most trusted partners on that journey.

Also present at the ceremony were Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi, and senior executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Automobiles

VinFast Drives Into India: Opens First EV Showroom in Surat, Gujarat

allycaralgoa

Vietnam’s electric vehicle powerhouse VinFast has officially entered the Indian market, launching its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat. This move marks the company’s strategic push into one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.

VinFast’s vision is clear and bold — it aims to establish 35 showrooms across India by the end of 2025, supported by a robust charging and service network. With a focus on sustainable mobility, affordable innovation, and sleek designs, the company is looking to appeal to India’s young and eco-conscious consumers.

Surat, a city known for its industrial spirit and clean energy initiatives, serves as the perfect launchpad for VinFast’s ambitions.

This debut comes amid India’s aggressive push toward EV adoption, with government incentives, rising fuel prices, and environmental awareness driving consumer interest.

The move also signals intensifying global competition in India’s EV space, with players like Tata, Mahindra, MG, and now VinFast seeking leadership in the rapidly expanding segment.

As VinFast prepares to roll out its first fleet of electric SUVs and two-wheelers, the Indian auto sector gears up for a new chapter in green transportation.

Automobiles

Tesla Rolls into India: First Official Store to Open in Mumbai on July 15

allycaralgoa

Mumbai is all charged up as Tesla prepares to open its first official store in India at Jio World Drive, the luxury shopping and lifestyle destination in the heart of the city’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. The highly anticipated launch, scheduled for July 15, 2025, marks a historic moment for India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.

The sleek new store will offer visitors an immersive experience into Tesla’s revolutionary world—featuring display models of its popular EVs such as the Model 3 and Model Y, interactive product demos, and insights into Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

This flagship outlet is expected to set the tone for Tesla’s broader rollout in India, which will include more stores, service centers, and charging infrastructure in major cities. According to sources, the Mumbai showroom will also serve as a hub for test drives, vehicle configuration, and bookings.

Tesla’s arrival comes at a time when India is pushing toward green mobility, with strong government incentives and a growing market for electric vehicles. Elon Musk’s recent meeting with Indian officials further solidified the company’s commitment to expanding in the country.

Jio World Drive, known for its premium offerings and futuristic architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for Tesla’s cutting-edge technology and design ethos. The Mumbai location was strategically chosen not only for its luxury clientele but also as a statement of Tesla’s long-term vision for India.

Visitors to the store can expect a premium brand experience, including AI-powered displays, product specialists, and virtual reality features that showcase Tesla’s innovation in sustainability, autopilot, and clean energy.

With this launch, India joins the global map of Tesla’s brick-and-mortar presence, ushering in a new chapter of electric mobility for the nation.