Metro authority has begun installing electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping stations directly on pedestrian footpaths beneath Metro and monorail stations.
While the move aligns with Maharashtra’s green transport agenda, it has drawn criticism from urban planners and pedestrian rights advocates who argue that the initiative threatens to encroach on already limited walking space in India’s most densely populated city.The first such station has been set up at Dahisar East, under Metro Line 2A, by the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) in partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd. The plan is to extend this facility to 25 Metro stations across Lines 2A and 7 and to six monorail stations, offering a quick-swap battery solution for electric two- and three-wheeler users, mainly serving delivery fleets and shared mobility providers.
MMMOCL officials say the initiative is part of a larger strategy to promote smart last-mile connectivity and reduce carbon emissions in the city’s growing transportation ecosystem. Riders will be able to exchange a drained Honda Mobile Power Pack e-battery for a fully charged one in under two minutes, cutting downtime and improving EV efficiency.However, experts caution that the placement of these units on footpaths could worsen congestion and compromise pedestrian safety—particularly at Metro station entry and exit points that are already plagued with overcrowding. “Footpaths should prioritise pedestrian movement, especially around mass transit stations where volumes are high. Installing swap hubs here sends the wrong signal about urban space priorities,” said an urban mobility expert working on walkability audits in Mumbai.
The MMMOCL has sought to allay these concerns by stating that the battery units are compact, require minimal space, and will not lead to long queues or loitering. “These are high-efficiency installations intended for quick use. Users—primarily delivery executives—are in and out in less than two minutes,” an official told this publication.The financial logic behind the rollout is also clear. The Metro corporation expects to earn ₹30 lakh annually in non-fare revenue from this partnership, while simultaneously boosting the utility of its infrastructure by integrating it with India’s growing EV ecosystem. The model is expected to attract more private players under the state’s EV policy framework, which encourages private investment in clean mobility solutions.
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner of MMRDA and chairman of MMMOCL, said the project is a forward-looking step to integrate sustainable technologies with Mumbai’s mass transit network. “By enabling fast and convenient battery-swapping at Metro and monorail points, we are preparing the city for a cleaner, more connected future.”Nonetheless, concerns remain about the impact on equitable street usage. Urban designers argue that while battery-swapping hubs are critical for the EV transition, they must not displace essential civic infrastructure like pedestrian paths, especially in a city already struggling with walkability.
As Mumbai grapples with how best to implement eco-friendly infrastructure without marginalising pedestrians, the Metro’s footpath-based EV hubs have become a symbol of a broader challenge: balancing innovation with inclusive urban design.
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