MUMBAI: The BMC will soon undertake the hydro-electric power generation project at Middle Vaitarna dam to provide 25 mega watt (MW) of ‘clean energy’ to run electric buses and light up streetlights in the island city, said civic chief Praveen Pardeshi.
The state government has already approved the project and tenders will be floated soon. Under the proposal, the BMC will set up the plant on a public-private partnership model and supply power to the BEST, sources said. “The project will boost BEST’s financial strength,” Pardeshi said. “The generated renewable energy will be used to charge e-buses… 1,000 e-buses will hit the road in phases…”
The BEST currently has 21 e-buses and 25 more will be inducted soon. The charging points at Backbay, Worli and Dharavi depots derive power from thermal energy. “We cannot demand for 100% renewable energy, but 5%-10% in two years is a tangible target,” said Bhagwan Kesbhat of NGO Waatavaran.
