Vadodara: Statue of Unity (SOU) zone in Narmada has shifted to clean-energy transport over the last few years. Tourists visiting the world’s tallest statue move around only on battery-operated vehicles in the sprawling premises.The authorities have deployed 55 electric buses and 85 e-rickshaws driven by women to transport visitors between the various attractions within the SOU complex. In addition, 15 to 20 electric golf carts are used to ferry tourists to popular destinations, including the jungle safari, Ekta Nursery and cactus garden.The e-buses operate throughout the day, making multiple trips across the premises. They stop at designated points where tourists can board or get off, ensuring convenient movement between the attractions. The buses are equipped with modern amenities and can cover approximately 180 kilometres on a single full charge.“The e-buses carrying tourists make several rounds of the SOU premises all day. The buses stop at particular spots where tourists get off or board them. As they run on batteries, they don’t cause any air pollution,” an SOU official said.E-rickshaws driven by women have also become a popular option among visitors looking for a more personalised way to explore the complex. The shift to electric mobility extends to the administration as well, with SOU staff provided with electric cars for official travel within the premises. “From the top officials to the junior staff, everyone is allowed to travel only by e-cars. We have 49 such e-cars for our travel along with some battery-operated golf carts,” the official added.Vehicles running on conventional fuels are generally not permitted inside the zone, except during VIP visits or in emergencies, the official said. The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, 2021, on the occasion of World Environment Day, to develop Ekta Nagar into the country’s first e-city. The SOU zone has emerged as one of the biggest clean-energy transport tourist destinations.
