The Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, a key component of the state's environmentally-friendly initiatives, has introduced a new set of challenges for municipal corporations, particularly concerning the safety of basement parking areas. While the policy encourages the installation of charging stations in parking facilities, recent incidents involving electric vehicle (EV) fires have raised significant concerns about the wisdom of placing such infrastructure in underground parking spaces.
A senior official from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) expressed particular worry about the potential for fires caused by charging vehicles in basement parking areas. These confined spaces often lack adequate safety features, making them especially vulnerable to such incidents.
The gravity of these concerns is underscored by recent events, such as the tragic incident in Delhi's Old Rajendra Nagar. There, flooding in a basement coaching institute resulted in the loss of three young lives, highlighting the inherent risks associated with underground spaces and the difficulties involved in rescue operations. Experts in the field warn that a similar situation, compounded by an EV-related fire, could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Ahmedabad itself has not been immune to EV-related fire incidents. On June 25, a fire erupted in a BRTS bus that was being charged at the Vastral depot, subsequently spreading to two other buses. This incident followed closely on the heels of another tragedy in Surat on June 21, where an e-vehicle battery fire in the Limbayat area triggered a cylinder explosion, resulting in the death of a young woman.
These are not isolated incidents. Two years prior, Patan witnessed a fire that started while an e-vehicle was being charged in Hira Moti Society. Around the same time, another fire broke out at an e-vehicle charging station in Navrangpura multilevel parking, reducing several vehicles to ashes. In February 2022, social media was abuzz with footage of an e-vehicle catching fire while charging in Surat.
Despite aseries of concerning incidents, the state government has maintained its stance on allowing the establishment of EV charging stations in parking areas, in line with the EV policy. While no basement parking facilities have yet been set up in Ahmedabad, EV charging stations have been installed at locations such as the Navrangpura multilevel parking and other properties owned by the municipal corporation.
The AMC has plans to expand the network of EV charging stations through public-private partnerships, targeting open spaces and areas beneath flyovers. However, the response from private sector players has been less than enthusiastic. Out of 81 proposed locations, only 27 have attracted interest from potential operators. It's worth noting that no plans have been approved for installing EV charging stations in the basements of private residential societies or new constructions.
This situation presents a complex challenge for city planners and policymakers. On one hand, there's a push for sustainable transportation and the infrastructure to support it. On the other, there are very real safety concerns that need to be addressed. Finding a balance between these competing priorities will be crucial for the successful and safe implementation of Gujarat's electric vehicle policy.