Chennai, May 8:
In a major push towards green mobility and sustainable urban transport, Southern Railway has set up electric vehicle battery swapping stations at 21 suburban railway stations across Chennai.
The initiative has been launched as part of the Railways’ efforts to modernise commuter infrastructure while encouraging the use of electric vehicles in the city.
Railway officials said the project has been implemented through a five-year agreement with a private company, which will be responsible for operating and maintaining the battery swapping facilities.
The newly established stations are aimed at improving convenience for electric vehicle users, especially daily commuters who depend on Chennai’s suburban railway network. Officials believe the move will help reduce charging time for EV users and promote cleaner transportation options across the city.
Battery swapping stations have been installed at several important railway stations including Chennai Central, Egmore, Kodambakkam, Velachery, Pallavaram, Saidapet, Tiruvanmiyur, Perungudi, Villivakkam and Washermanpet, among other suburban locations.
According to Southern Railway officials, the partnership is expected to generate an estimated annual revenue of around ₹53.43 crore.
Authorities stated that the project forms part of a broader strategy to transform Chennai’s suburban railway system into a more commuter-friendly and environmentally sustainable transport network.
With the number of electric two-wheelers and commercial EVs steadily increasing in Chennai, railway officials expect the battery swapping infrastructure to play a significant role in supporting the city’s growing green mobility ecosystem.