In an attempt to keep pace with the fast-changing electricity sector, state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) is positioning itself as a transportation solutions provider, particularly in crowded urban settings.
India’s largest power generation equipment maker wants to become a turn-key metro rail end-to-end solutions provider and also manufacture electric vehicles such as buses, cars, two-wheelers and boats.
According to Livemint, Bhel has signed an agreement with Ashok Leyland Ltd and Tata Motors Ltd for developing a propulsion system for buses, the public sector unit is also seeking technical collaboration to manufacture metro rail locomotives and has initiated separate talks with Hitachi Transportation Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Škoda Transportation.
The National Democratic Alliance government wants to increase the share of waterways transportation from 6 per cent of freight transported in India to 10 per cent by 2020. It also wants to see 6 million electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads by 2020 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME).
