Kolkata gets its first solar-powered & air- conditioned BQS

Kolkata recently got three high-end bus stops which are well lit and is providing a sense of security to the commuters, especially women, children and senior citizens of the city. Located at Golf Green, opposite the gate of Doordarshan Kendra- Calcutta, the BQS is powered by solar energy. The lights here run on the electricity generated by these solar panels installed above the shelter. As solar energy contributes to reducing carbon emission, the six solar panels installed over the shelter provide 400 watt of electricity for 12 hours daily, though the installed capacity is much higher. What’s more, to facilitate the commuters the bus shelter also has got mobile phone charging points.
 
Debasish Kumar – Member, Mayor-in-Council – Advertisement, Parks Gardens and Sports – The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, said, “This is a pilot project and the bus shelter is under trial. If the results are affirmative then we will try to roll out more such project. Also for the maintenance we may give permission for commercial advertisements later. We have selected this signature area for this first endeavour and we are also funding a solar park project under KMC as well.
 
The two air-conditioned bus stops have come up at VIP Road (Sreebhumi) and near the Lake Town crossing. The bus shelters are covered with a glass facade, sliding glass doors, lights and seats as well. The cost of construction for each bus top is Rs 4 lakh approximately and the recurring expenditure is Rs 10,000 a month for electricity consumption in each bus stop.
 
KMC is also planning to roll-out a pilot project under PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model for air-conditioned bus stop under their jurisdiction just opposite to Quest Mall at Park Circus.