Tag: sustainable transport

Travel

Kochi to Become First Indian City with Light Tram Transport System

allycaralgoa

Kochi, Kerala — marking a milestone in India’s urban transport landscape, Kochi is set to become the nation’s first city to introduce a light tram transport system. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has approved preliminary procedures to move forward with this innovative infrastructure plan aimed at enhancing urban mobility and bridging gaps in last‑mile connectivity that conventional metro systems can’t cover.

The planned system will complement the existing metro network by serving areas not currently covered, helping to reduce traffic congestion in busy corridors and offering a more affordable alternative to high‑cost metro expansions. Initial proposals include a 6.2‑kilometre pilot route connecting MG Road, Thevara, Shanmugham Road, and key commercial hubs — regions known for heavy commuter traffic.

According to KMRL officials, the new light trams — proposed to be 25 metres long, with three coaches and electric‑hybrid technology — will be capable of running on existing roads, elevated tracks, or even underground, allowing planners flexible integration with Kochi’s urban layout. The trams are designed to carry up to 240 passengers and recharge rapidly, offering a greener, efficient transport option.

This light tram initiative also promises significant cost savings compared to conventional metro systems, with infrastructure costs estimated at roughly one‑fourth per kilometre. KMRL’s initial feasibility study highlights the potential for local manufacturing and further cost optimization.

If successfully implemented, Kochi’s light tram project could set a new precedent for sustainable urban transit across India and serve as a model for other cities facing similar mobility challenges.

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.

National

Delhi Metro Achieves Major Tunnel Breakthrough at Tughlakabad Station on Phase IV’s Golden Line

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant leap forward for Delhi’s urban transit infrastructure, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has accomplished a major engineering milestone with a tunnel breakthrough at Tughlakabad Railway Colony station. This development is part of Phase IV’s Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor, widely known as the Golden Line.

On the morning of 29 July, a 91-metre-long Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), deployed by M/s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., completed the excavation of a 0.792 km underground tunnel. The tunnel is one of two parallel passageways designed to accommodate up and down metro train movement. Constructed at an average depth of 18 metres, the tunnel comprises 559 precisely engineered concrete rings, each forming part of a 5.8-metre diameter circular lining.

The concrete segments used in the tunnel lining were precast at a dedicated casting facility in Mundka, where advanced steam curing methods were applied to accelerate strength gain—ensuring rapid project progression without compromising durability.

Utilizing the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM), a state-of-the-art tunneling technique, the project team maintained ground stability throughout the excavation. This method is especially suited for operations in densely populated urban environments, allowing safe tunneling with minimal surface impact. A network of high-precision monitoring instruments was also deployed to continuously track ground movement and ensure the protection of existing surface structures.

This newly completed stretch is part of the 19.343 km underground segment on the 23.622 km-long Golden Line. Overall, Phase IV includes more than 40 km of underground lines, reinforcing DMRC’s commitment to expanding safe, efficient, and sustainable mass transit in the capital.

Since its early years, DMRC has relied extensively on TBMs, which have become a cornerstone of modern urban tunneling by enabling precise, deep excavation under challenging conditions. The Tughlakabad breakthrough marks another step closer to delivering next-generation mobility solutions for Delhi’s growing population.

TechPulse

Goa Sets Sail with First Private Solar-Powered Boat — M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution Inaugurated by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant

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Panaji, Goa – In a proud moment for Goa’s green transformation and tourism innovation, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the state’s first private solar-powered passenger/cruise boat, M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution, at a formal ceremony attended by top government officials and dignitaries.

The event was graced by Union Minister Shripad Naik, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, and several other officials and stakeholders from Goa’s sustainability and tourism sectors.

A First-of-Its-Kind in Goa

The M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution is the first fully solar-powered private boat in Goa. Designed for passenger cruises and eco-friendly tourism, the boat operates solely on solar energy, eliminating the need for diesel and reducing carbon emissions. The launch is a symbol of Goa’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable tourism practices.

Chief Minister’s Statement

During the launch, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant remarked,

“Goa is not just India’s favorite tourist destination — it is also emerging as a leader in green tourism and clean energy adoption. The LRAJ GREEN Solution is a great example of what innovation and commitment to the environment can achieve.”

Why This Matters

This solar-powered boat opens the door to eco-tourism ventures in Goa that are cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally responsible. It sets a precedent for the future of transport and tourism in the coastal state, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.

What’s Next?

The success of the M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution could inspire more private and public sector players to adopt similar sustainable innovations. With Goa’s natural beauty and growing tourist footfall, solar boats offer a perfect intersection of green tech and economic opportunity.

This is more than a launch — it’s a leap toward Goa’s green future.