Indian Railways in collaboration with Indofast Energy has deployed 80 battery swapping stations across Hyderabad and Secunderabad divisions, with plans for 40 more within three months. Under the South-Central Railway initiative, these swap points span 25 stations—56 in Secunderabad and 24 in Hyderabad. Indofast Energy, a joint venture between IndianOil and SUN Mobility, will install and manage the infrastructure to support two-, three-, and small four-wheeled EVs. This pioneering initiative ushers in a major shift in urban mobility by addressing range anxiety through rapid battery exchanges. Commuters, ride‑share operators and delivery workers can now swap batteries in under a minute, ensuring minimal downtime. This model significantly enhances last‑mile connectivity at rail stations while supporting India’s transition to sustainable, zero‑emission transport.
Experts note that embedding EV infrastructure within railway premises offers dual benefits: facilitating cleaner transport and reducing congestion in station precincts. Railway officials emphasise that this rollout aligns with broader national commitments to greener, equitable and gender‑neutral urban growth. The current deployment targets 25 stations in Telangana, but Indofast’s ambition extends beyond. The firm plans to establish over 10,000 swap points across 40+ Indian cities in the next three years, aiming to serve more than one million EV users via its Battery‑as‑a‑Service (BaaS) model. In Bengaluru, similar battery swap kiosks have already launched at four major stations, each providing four swap units with 14 batteries capable of serving 800 EVs daily. These facilities demonstrate the system’s scalability and operational viability.
Transport analysts argue that such infrastructure is critical for accelerating EV adoption in dense cities. Delivery fleet managers and last‑mile operators, in particular, benefit from reduced vehicle idle time and improved fleet utilisation. This network also provides a new revenue stream for rail authorities through station licensing and service fees. Commuters interviewed at Hyderabad stations expressed optimism, noting how quicker mobility adds convenience and reduces reliance on traditional fuelling. Accessibility and affordability were repeatedly cited as key advantages.
Nevertheless, analysts caution that success hinges on ensuring equity. Swap stations must integrate with accessible public infrastructure, offer gender‑sensitive design and operate on transparent pricing to truly support inclusive urban mobility. Ultimately, this collaboration exemplifies how public‑private partnerships can underpin sustainable urban transformation. By weaving EV infrastructure into the fabric of rail transit hubs, Indian Railways and Indofast Energy have created a blueprint for green, equitable and efficient urban transport—one swap at a time.
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