Varanasi: In an initiative for green transportation, the Varanasi division of North Eastern Railway has granted licence for establishment of a Battery Swapping Station at Banaras Railway Station through e-auction, with an annual licence fee fixed at Rs 2.67 lakh. This is the first initiative of its kind in Varanasi Division.Spokesperson of Varanasi division, Ashok Kumar, said that this facility will prove extremely beneficial for passengers, visitors, and last-mile transportation services (such as e-rickshaws and two-wheelers) enabling quick and convenient replacement of discharged batteries. This will save the time spent on charging, enhance the efficiency of local transportation, and encourage the use of environment-friendly vehicles.This facility has been established in the circulating area of Banaras Railway Station, ensuring effective utilisation of available space without causing any hindrance to the movement of passengers. It serves as a strong medium for generating non-fare revenue for the Railways. This initiative is in line with Indian Railways’ broader vision of green energy, sustainable infrastructure, and better passenger amenities. Varanasi division is continuously striving to improve service quality and develop a clean and efficient transportation system through innovation.Battery Smart Swap Station is an Indian network that provides Battery-as-a-Service solutions for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. This station enables electric vehicle drivers to replace a discharged battery with a fully charged one in approximately two minutes. Battery Smart operates on the basis of membership or subscription, to reduce the initial cost for electric vehicle owners by providing swappable lithium-ion batteries. Founded by IIT-Kanpur graduates, the company has established an extensive network of partner swapping stations across several cities in India to promote convenient electric mobility.
