Surat: In a move for sustainable urban development, Surat has become the first city in India to launch a fully solar-powered smart bus station. Located in Althan and developed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), the facility stands as a symbol of next-generation public infrastructure, fusing cutting-edge technology with eco-conscious design.
Built at a cost of ₹1.60 crore, this station is poised to inspire cities across the country to adopt cleaner, smarter transportation solutions. What sets this bus depot apart is its integrated 100-kilowatt rooftop solar power system, paired with a 224 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Created in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the station is designed to operate entirely on renewable energy, harvesting solar power during the day and storing it in repurposed second-life batteries for round-the-clock use.
This smart infrastructure supports the 24/7 charging of electric buses, drastically reducing reliance on the traditional electricity grid and significantly lowering carbon emissions. According to SMC’s Light and Energy Efficiency Cell Executive Engineer, Prakash Pandya, the stored solar energy powers buses overnight, maximizing utility while minimizing environmental impact.
Beyond its environmental credentials, the station enhances commuter experience with features like free Wi-Fi, energy-efficient lighting, and multiple charging points. The emphasis on user comfort reflects the project’s broader goal: to make sustainable transport not just possible, but preferable.
The solar-powered station is expected to generate nearly 100,000 units of electricity each year, leading to estimated energy cost savings of ₹6.65 lakh annually. But more than financial benefits, the project marks a transformative step toward India’s net-zero ambitions and the future of public transport.
“This is not just about infrastructure, it’s a long-term effort to make public transport green, efficient, and future-ready,” Pandya explained. With this bold stride, Surat has positioned itself not only as a leader in green mobility, but also as a blueprint for other urban centers aiming to create a more sustainable tomorrow.