Delhi's First Cloud Seeding Set for October 29

Silver Iodide flares on cloud seeding Airplane | Silver Iodide in zoomed circle (Image - SciencePhotos.com)

In a historic move to combat post-Diwali pollution, Delhi is preparing for its first-ever artificial rain through cloud seeding on October 29, 2025. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called the initiative a "necessity" to address the city's severe air quality crisis.

So, let me take you inside the unfolding story of Delhi’s first-ever cloud seeding operation—a tale of science, urgency, and air.

As the smog of Diwali settles over the city, a new kind of aircraft prepares for takeoff—not to ferry passengers, but to summon rain from the sky. On October 29, 2025, Delhi will attempt something unprecedented: artificial rain to cleanse its air.

The mission begins with a flare. Mounted on the wings of a specially equipped plane, these flares contain silver iodide, a compound known to mimic ice crystals. As the aircraft ascends into the humid layers above Delhi, the flares ignite, releasing particles into the clouds. If the conditions are right—if the clouds are thick and the humidity high—these particles will coax water droplets to form, grow, and fall as rain.

But this isn’t just chemistry. It’s choreography.

Teams from IIT Kanpur, armed with real-time meteorological data, monitor every movement. They track cloud density, wind patterns, and moisture levels, waiting for the perfect moment. A trial run in Burari offered lessons: the humidity was too low, the clouds too thin. Still, the scientists remain undeterred. The window between October 28 and 30 holds promise.

This isn’t the first time cloud seeding has been used—but it is the first time Delhi deploys it not for drought relief, but to fight pollution. The stakes are high. PM2.5 levels have surged to their worst since January. Even a light drizzle could settle the dust, clear the air, and offer millions a breath of relief.

So as the city holds its breath, the skies may soon respond—with a rain not born of nature, but summoned by science.

What Is Cloud Seeding?

• Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to stimulate rainfall.
• The goal in Delhi is to use this method to wash away smog and particulate matter, especially after Diwali when pollution levels spike.

Trial and Execution

• A trial run was conducted in Burari, where flares containing rain-inducing chemicals were released from an aircraft.
• Although the trial didn’t produce rain due to low humidity, officials remain optimistic about the full-scale operation.
• The project is being supervised by IIT Kanpur, with the full operation expected between October 28–30.

Kudos to @IITKanpur for this massive success!

After 6 years of research & efforts, IIT Kanpur researchers have successfully tested artificial rain or cloud-seeding technology.

My heartiest congratulations to them and best wishes to the entire team! pic.twitter.com/hIXucjWe2C

— Zubin Ashara (@zubinashara) July 3, 2023

Why It Matters

• Delhi’s PM2.5 levels have surged to their highest since January, prompting urgent action.
• Even mild showers from cloud seeding could significantly reduce airborne pollutants and offer temporary relief.

Delhi Flags Off First Batch of SWITCH EiV12 Electric Buses in Landmark 950-Unit Rollout

SWITCH Mobility, a global leader in electric buses and light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, today flagged off the SWITCH EiV12 – Low Floor Electric City Buses from its landmark 950-unit order for the Department of Transport, Delhi, awarded under the CESL tender.

These buses were flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Smt. Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Dr. Pankaj Singh, Hon’ble Transport Minister; Sh. Manoj Tiwari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (North East Delhi); Sh. Surya Prakash Khatri, Hon’ble MLA (Timarpur); Ms. Niharika Rai, Commissioner, Department of Transport, Delhi; Sh. Prince Dhawan, Managing Director, DTC, Delhi; Dr. Chadda, Senior Advisor, Hinduja Group; R.G. Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, SWITCH Mobility; and Saurabh Chaudhary, CEO, Ohm Global Mobility. The occasion marks a key milestone in Delhi’s transition towards sustainable urban mobility.

Manufactured at SWITCH’s state-of-the-art facility, these buses embody the company’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, bringing together cutting-edge global technology and Indian manufacturing excellence.

The ultra-low-floor SWITCH EiV12 platform, designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit needs, offers comfortable seating for 39 passengers. These 12-meter electric buses provide an impressive range to seamlessly meet daily schedules and are equipped with advanced safety and passenger convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp for differently-abled passengers, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and GPS tracking. Ergonomically optimized and intelligently engineered, the SWITCH EiV12 ensures global standards in performance, durability, safety, and superior passenger comfort.

RG Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said, "We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital's leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These Low Floor Electric City Buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi's public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future."

The SWITCH EiV12 exemplifies cutting-edge design tailored for urban city commutes, offering a smart and lightweight solution that enhances metropolitan mobility. Its streamlined ultra-low-floor design ensures easy passenger boarding and a smooth ride through Delhi's bustling streets. The vehicles’ efficient rear-end dual-gun charging interface enables rapid recharging while optimizing depot spaces. Powered by SWITCH iON, the proprietary telematics system, the buses offer real-time vehicle health monitoring, Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS), and efficient fleet management capabilities.

Prioritizing passenger safety, each bus is equipped with an advanced Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS). The floor-mounted LFP batteries contribute to a lower centre of gravity, ensuring excellent vehicle stability and enhanced safety during operations.

The deployment of these electric buses aligns with the Delhi Government's vision to maintain its position as the Indian city with the highest number of electric buses. This rollout is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and provide safer, more comfortable commutes for Delhi's millions of daily bus users.

What Influences the Electric Scooter Price in Delhi?

When it comes to buying an electric scooter in Delhi, there are several factors that influence the price, from the model you choose to government policies that provide incentives. The electric scooter market is growing, and with so many options available, understanding the elements that add to the final price can help you make a wise decision.

Whether you're eyeing a budget-friendly option or a high-end model packed with advanced features, knowing what impacts the electric scooter price in Delhi will ensure you get the best value for your money.

Model and Brand

One of the primary factors affecting electric scooter price in Delhi is the model and brand you opt for. Scooters with advanced technology, longer ranges, and higher speeds tend to be more expensive than basic models. Well-established brands that offer quality and reliable performance will likely have higher prices compared to new or lesser-known manufacturers.

For instance, the electric scooter market in India includes several models from different brands offering varying levels of performance. Some brands offer scooters with impressive features such as long battery life, fast charging, high-speed capabilities, and app connectivity, all of which come at a premium price.

For example, scooters with ranges upwards of 150 km on a single charge and top speeds around 70-80 km/h will typically have higher prices compared to those designed for shorter city commutes. The electric scooter price in Delhi for these models could be anywhere between ₹1,30,000 and ₹1,40,000, depending on the features.

Battery Size and Range

The size of the battery and the range it offers are key factors influencing the electric scooter price in Delhi. Electric scooters with larger batteries generally offer longer ranges and better overall performance, but they also come at a higher price. A scooter with a range of 50 km per charge will typically cost less than one that can go up to 100 km or more, as the battery's capacity directly impacts the price.

Additionally, the charging time and ease of charging also play a role in the cost. Fast-charging options and the ability to charge at home with a regular socket may add to the price, but they make the scooter more convenient for daily use.

Government Incentives and Subsidies

Delhi's government offers several incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These can significantly impact the electric scooter price in Delhi, making it more affordable for buyers.

For example, the Delhi government offers a subsidy of ₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity for electric scooters, which means a scooter with a 3 kWh battery could benefit from a ₹15,000 subsidy. Additionally, there may be other exemptions on road tax, registration fees, or incentives provided by specific dealerships.

While these subsidies reduce the upfront cost, the price of the scooter before the subsidy still depends on the model as well as the brand you choose.

Type of Scooter: Commuter vs. High-Performance

Another factor influencing the electric scooter price in Delhi is whether the scooter is designed for daily commuting or high performance. Scooters designed for regular use in the city with moderate ranges and speeds are generally more affordable than performance-oriented models designed for longer distances and higher speeds.

High-performance electric scooters, with features like higher top speeds, longer ranges, and more advanced safety features, will naturally have a higher price tag.

Technology and Features

The level of technology integrated into an electric scooter is another determinant of its price. Features like smart connectivity, GPS navigation, app integration, and advanced safety systems can increase the cost of the scooter.

Scooters equipped with features such as reverse mode, cruise control, regenerative braking, and LED displays tend to be priced higher. Riders who prioritise smart features and modern technology are likely to pay a premium for these additional capabilities.

Quality of Build and Materials

The quality of the materials used in building the scooter, such as the frame, wheels, suspension, and brakes, also affects the electric scooter price in Delhi. Scooters with sturdy, durable materials that can withstand rough roads or longer rides are often more expensive. Those with higher-quality frames, tyres, and braking systems generally come at a premium, ensuring better longevity and comfort.

Additionally, build quality directly impacts the overall ride experience. Scooters that offer a smoother, more comfortable ride with better suspension and handling often come with a higher price tag.

Dealerships and Location

Finally, the location and dealership you buy from can also affect the electric scooter price in Delhi. Dealers in certain areas may charge more for service and maintenance, or they may include additional services like extended warranties or free charging equipment. It’s worth checking various dealerships for pricing and offers before making a decision.

An EV Scooter that Rides Through Delhi’s Streets

The electric scooter price in Delhi depends on factors, including the brand, model, battery capacity, range, and government incentives. With the growing popularity of electric scooters in Delhi, prices are becoming more competitive, and buyers have plenty of options to choose from.

By considering the factors mentioned above and understanding how they impact the on-road price, you can make a decision about which electric scooter fits your needs and budget. With the government's incentives, buying an electric scooter in Delhi has become a more cost-effective and sustainable option. This is helping you save money while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Amazon Taps Yamuna Watershed for India’s Biggest Replenishment Push

Amazon is funding its first-ever water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi, tackling water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater.

This initiative adds to Amazon's growing portfolio of water conservation projects across India, which already includes major lake restoration efforts and community water solutions benefiting over 1 million people since 2020. The project is expected to replenish more than 400 million litres of water annually once completed, and will help Amazon make progress toward its commitment to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027.

New Delhi faces significant water management challenges, with water supply issues impacting the daily lives of residents and operations of businesses throughout the capital region. Amazon’s project in New Delhi, featuring a groundwater recharge programme, was announced at Amazon's inaugural Water Dialogues today. The event is a thought leadership initiative that puts together key stakeholders in the water industry, such as Ramveer Tanwar, The Pondman of India, Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration, Manoj Singh, Associate Director - Climate, Agriculture & Food Systems, The Nature Conservancy among others, to deliberate on challenges and initiatives regarding water as a scarce resource. The event also featured a keynote address by Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

The New Delhi water project, in cooperation with social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, Hasten Regeneration, combines the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure—including check dams and ponds—with the construction of new water-saving structures, like percolation pits and recharge shafts. Additionally, planting vegetation around these structures can help to prevent erosion, increase the moisture in soil, and improve local landscapes. Sites will be selected within the Yamuna River watershed with the goal of maximizing direct benefits to New Delhi's water security.

Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) said, “The inaugural Water Dialogues 2025 in Delhi marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually is a commendable contribution. It reflects the growing recognition that water stewardship is a shared responsibility. We welcome this effort and see it as an opportunity to encourage greater private sector engagement in delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions, especially in water-stressed urban and peri-urban regions.”

"Our country faces critical water challenges, with groundwater levels in New Delhi declining at an alarming rate," said Abhinav Singh, Vice President, Operations, Amazon India & Australia. "Our project with Hasten Regeneration focuses on revitalizing the Yamuna basin through strategic infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction. This watershed-level approach not only aims to capture monsoon runoff and replenishes critical aquifers but also empowers local communities as stewards of these vital resources. This initiative represents a significant step toward our goal to replenish more water than we use in India by 2027."

For this groundwater recharge water project, Hasten Regeneration will collaborate with India-based non-governmental organization Arpan Seva Sansthan, winner of India’s ‘National Water Award’ in 2023, and Clear Water Dynamics, a Bangalore based consultancy firm specialising in water engineering infrastructure projects.

“This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration. “Our aim is to ensure Amazon’s funding is at its catalytic best, inviting communities as active participants and not just beneficiaries. The 400 million litres we expect to replenish annually represents a vital lifeline for communities across the Yamuna watershed.”

In 2024, Amazon announced a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027. The new goal builds on Amazon’s work over the last several years to improve water efficiency at its sites in India, and on investments in projects that return water to critically water-stressed communities. For example, Amazon is collaborating with SayTrees, a local environmental organisation, to undertake a comprehensive restoration of Yamare and Sai Reddy Lakes.

The projects, undergoing since January 2025, involve desilting the lakes, restoring bund formations, and repairing inlet and outlet structures. These efforts, once finished, are expected to replenish annually more than 270 million litres of water to Yamare Lake, and close to 300 million litres of water to Sai Reddy Lake, tripling its size. Investments previously made by Amazon in India since 2020 have already enabled long-lasting, climate-resilient water and sanitation solutions to benefit more than 1 million people.

More information about Amazon’s commitment to water conservation and restoration can be found on Amazon’s Water Stewardship website

Delhi Goes Green: Only Clean-Fuel Fleets Allowed from 2026!

Delhi is taking a big step toward cleaner air! Starting January 1, 2026, only electric or CNG vehicles will be allowed in the fleets of cab aggregators, delivery firms, and e-commerce companies operating in Delhi-NCR. This means no new petrol or diesel-powered vehicles can be added to their fleets.

Additionally, from November 1, 2026, only BS-VI diesel, CNG, or electric buses will be permitted to enter Delhi under various service permits, including tourist, school, and institutional transport. The move is part of a broader effort to tackle air pollution, which remains a major concern in the capital.

This shift aligns with Delhi’s Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023, which requires companies with more than 25 vehicles to register them for monitoring. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also urged Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to adopt similar rules, especially in high-traffic cities like Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

Challenges During Implementation

Delhi’s clean-fuel mandate is ambitious, but implementation won’t be smooth sailing. Here are some key challenges:

1. Fleet Transition Costs – Many cab aggregators and e-commerce companies will need to replace petrol and diesel vehicles with electric or CNG alternatives, which can be expensive. Smaller operators may struggle with the financial burden.

2. Charging Infrastructure – While Delhi has been expanding its EV charging network, the demand for charging stations will surge. Ensuring enough fast-charging points, especially for high-usage fleets, will be critical.

3. Interstate Coordination – The policy applies to vehicles entering Delhi, but enforcement across neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan remains uncertain. Without strict coordination, older polluting vehicles could still find ways into the city.

4. Compliance & Enforcement – Monitoring thousands of vehicles to ensure compliance will require robust tracking systems. The government plans to use ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras to restrict entry of non-compliant vehicles, but effective enforcement will be key.

5. Public Transport Adjustments – The transition for buses will take time, especially for private operators. Ensuring enough BS-VI diesel, CNG, or electric buses are available by the 2026 deadline will be a logistical challenge.

6. Consumer & Operator Resistance – Some fleet owners may push back against the mandate, citing operational difficulties or cost concerns. Public awareness campaigns and incentives will be needed to encourage adoption.

Despite these hurdles, the policy is a bold step toward cleaner air. Do you think Delhi can overcome these challenges, or will enforcement gaps slow progress?

What do you think—will this significantly improve Delhi’s air quality? Or do you see challenges in implementation? Comment your opinion below.... 

JITO JIIF Launches JITO Incubation Centre (JIC) in New Delhi

In a major boost to India’s thriving startup ecosystem, the JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JITO JIIF) proudly announces the launch of its JITO Incubation Centre (JIC) in the heart of New Delhi. Known for empowering early-stage ventures with the tools, mentorship, and networks they need to scale, JIC’s arrival in the capital is set to redefine the journey of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Located at Anuvrat Bhawan, Mandi House, this new hub brings JIC’s nationally-acclaimed incubation model to one of India’s most dynamic business cities. Since its inception, the JITO Incubation Centre has become a launchpad for transformative ideas across the country—supporting founders not just with funding, but with a full spectrum of strategic guidance, expert mentorship, and meaningful connections.

The Delhi centre promises to continue this legacy by providing startups with access to seasoned industry leaders, global business networks, research facilities, legal and technical assistance, and even ecosystem credits worth over $120,000—all designed to accelerate growth from idea to execution.

But JIC is more than just infrastructure—it’s a thriving community. With the support of over 80 angel funds and incubation partners, and backed by a business network of more than 15,000+ JITO members worldwide, the platform has already helped hundreds of founders turn vision into viable enterprise. The Delhi centre now opens that door for the next generation of entrepreneurs in North India.

“With Delhi rapidly emerging as a hotbed for innovation, this is the perfect time to bring JIC’s proven model to the capital,” said Jeenendra Bhandari , Chairman, JIIF “We are not just incubating businesses—we are building futures. JIC stands as a catalyst for smart, ethical, and sustainable entrepreneurship.”

Aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers are encouraged to apply and become part of a powerful movement where ideas are nurtured and dreams take flight.

About JIIF

JIIF one of India’s fastest growing incubators and angel networks, dedicated to supporting startups with mentorship, resources and funding. With a portfolio of over 150 startups, JIIF is committed to fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs across a wide range of sectors.

Supporting 108 startups with ₹260 crore in seven years, JIIF has incubated more than 60 startups and impacted more than 500 startups, with many securing seed funding. Looking ahead, it plans to back 50+ more innovative startups

SIDBI Grants ₹ 12.45 Cr to ETO Motors to Deploy 300 Electric 3-Wheelers in Delhi, Hyderabad and Build EV Charging Infrastructure

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has granted INR 12.45CR to ETO Motors to deploy 300 Electric 3-wheelers in Delhi and Hyderabad and also build an EV Charging Infrastructure to support the deployment

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has granted INR 12.45 CR to ETO Motors to deploy 300 Electric 3-Wheelers (E3W) in Hyderabad and Delhi for first and last-mile passenger connectivity. ETO Motors, as part of the financial support, will also build an EV Charging Infrastructure to support the deployment of 300 E3Ws in Hyderabad and Delhi.

The financial support to ETO Motors is under SIDBI’s Mission 50K-EV4ECO which aims at strengthening the EV ecosystem in India, including uptake for two, three and four-wheelers through direct and indirect lending. The objective of this scheme is to provide access to affordable financing for electric vehicles and to develop charging infrastructure, including battery swapping.

As part of the funding, ETO Motors will deploy three hundred Electric 3-Wheelers, in the cities of Delhi and Hyderabad, over the next 3 months. ETO Motors will also set up 180 Charging points, in the two cities, to support the E3W deployment.

ETO Motors is one of very few EV players that have received financial support from SIDBI under its Mission 50K-EV4ECO scheme. This is a testament to ETO Motors which is India’s largest Electric Mobility as a Service (EMaaS) company. Currently, ETO Motors partners with metro rails like Delhi Metro, Nagpur Metro, Hyderabad Metro, and Pune Metro for passenger first and last mile connectivity. ETO Motors manages over 1,500 E3Ws ( Passenger + Cargo) and has over 1,500+ drivers, including 200 women drivers.

 

Speaking at the occasion of SIDBI choosing ETO Motors under the mission 50K-EV4ECO scheme, Dr. Karthik S. Ponnapula, Director, ETO Motors said, “We are extremely thrilled to have been chosen by SIDBI under its 50K-EV4ECO scheme. This is a testament to our work in the EV/ E3W space as we move forward to help fulfil our country’s EV mission 2030. The financial support will synergize our capabilities in manufacturing state-of-art E3Ws and managing them as a fleet to optimize performance. It will also support our charging infrastructure initiative which is an essential requirement for the growth of EVs in the country.”

The E3Ws will be manufactured in ETO Motors’ state-of-art manufacturing capacity in Jadcherla, Telangana which also includes a modern research and development lab. The E3Ws are manufactured with a focus on safety (only e3W in India with a seatbelt) and technology, incorporating a fully integrated Vehicle Control Unit and IoT connected platform.

About ETO Motors

ETO Motors is India’s largest eMaaS (Electric Mobility as a Service) company with a fleet of over 1500 e3Ws (Electric Three Wheelers) under management.

It has, though its experience and expertise in managing electric fleets, collaborated with multiple ecommerce, grocery, B2B companies - Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket, Ikea - for their first and last mile connectivity.

It is also driving growth in passenger market through tie-ups with ride aggregators (Uber), last mile delivery solution (Amazon, FlipKart, BigBasket, Gati, DHL, Blue Dart, Bisleri, ShadowFax, BlowHorn, Exide etc ) and with metro rails like Delhi Metro, Nagpur Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Pune Metro, Bengaluru Metro and Chennai Metro for passenger first and last and last mile https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=473526441463585&set=a.422887116527518&type=3&mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v.

Bank of India Announces a START-UP Focused Branches at 3 Centre Across PAN India

Bank of India – a major public sector bank with a significant domestic presence – has launched three special start-up centres through dedicated start-up focussed branches. The three start-up centres are located in Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi.

The dedicated start-up branches are intended to facilitate the Central Government’s goal of promoting robust innovation and entrepreneurship through the start-up culture in India. Start-Up India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large-scale employment opportunities via start-ups. India is emerging as a hub for Start-up initiatives with more than 93,000 start-up entities already registered with the Department of Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT) to date.

These branches will offer all the necessary banking services to start-ups under one roof, serving as a hub for entrepreneurs in the start-up ecosystem and providing end-to-end financial services. The branches will have a special start-up desk with a Relationship Manager.

Bank of India, MD & CEO, Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, inaugurated the start-up desk virtually at two of these start-focussed branches on 24 July 2023 while being physically present to inaugurate the start-up branch at Turbhe, Navi Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO of Bank of India, said, “Bank of India has given an in-principal approval for seven start-up branches today beginning with Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. These start-up branches will add to the MSME book of Bank of India, which is the thrust area for our bank and the country. "

The three identified start-up-focused branches are:

• Bengaluru Main Branch in Bengaluru
• Parliament Street Branch in New Delhi
• Turbhe in Navi Mumbai

Bank of India has identified 9 more centres for start-up-focused branches. These centres will be operational in the near future. For decades, BOI has been the bank of choice for all sections of society while also being a pioneer in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.

EV Startup Quantum Energy Roll into Delhi with the Grand Opening of its First Showroom in Delhi-NCR

The 2000 square-foot showroom-cum-experience centre is located in Sector 24, Rohini, Delhi.

Quantum Energy, a leading electric vehicle (EV) start-up specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of electric scooters, has inaugurated its first-ever EV showroom in the Delhi-NCR region.

The 2000-square-foot showroom will commence operations under the dealership name AJ Auto World and the establishment is strategically nested in the opulent locale of Sector 24, Rohini. In laudatory remarks commending the team’s far-sightedness in realizing the vision for a greener India, The showroom was formally inaugurated by Honorable Dr. Harsh Vardhan, a former Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and current member of Parliament. Mr. Avani Kapoor, Sr. Vice President, CSC was also present at the showroom opening.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chakravarthi Chukkapalli, Director, Quantum Energy Limited said “I am immensely thrilled to inaugurate our first-ever electric vehicle (EV) showroom in the bustling city of Delhi-NCR. Our state-of-the-art products epitomize the emergence of a new epoch in urban transportation that not only champions ecological consciousness but also boasts superior efficacy. I am ardently looking forward to presenting our groundbreaking EVs to the discerning clientele of the region, who are increasingly cognizant of the imperative to embrace sustainable means of conveyance. This showroom serves as a trailblazer of many more to come, as we endeavor to expand our footprint and offer a plethora of sustainable mobility options tailored to the needs of the Indian market.

The showroom promises to offer a top-notch customer experience while featuring Quantum Energy’s extensive line of ‘Made-in-India’ smart electric scooters, which are ideal for short as well as long distances including Plasma, Elektron, Milan and the cargo scooter Bziness.

About Quantum Energy

Quantum Energy, committed to contributing to enabling the adoption of electric vehicles in India is an electric vehicle firm which is into design, development and manufacturing of electric scooters with the Research and development centre and manufacturing facility at Hyderabad. With founders from a strong automotive background of 5 decades, Quantum’s passionate offering spans across a range of vehicles. For more info, please visit https://www.quantumenergy.in

7 Million North-Delhi Consumers of Tata Power-DDL To Get AI-based OCR Application for Meter Reading

A field worker taking meter reading using OCR

Deploys optical character recognition (OCR) technology for gathering meter readings

Aims to ensure 100% accuracy in meter reading & billing

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a pioneering power utility supplying electricity to a populace of over 7 million in North Delhi today announced a partnership with Anyline, a global leader in mobile data capture and artificial intelligence, to reduce non-technical losses through the introduction of a new forensic meter reading solution for field workers.

This industry-first innovation marks the first use of optical character recognition (OCR) for meter reading by Tata Power-DDL, and is the result of a collaboration between the companies. Following development and testing, the solution has been rolled out to field workers across North Delhi.

Combining mobile data capture and AI-powered anti-spoofing capabilities, the new scanning solution is integrated into the mobile devices of field workers to gather meter readings. By scanning utility meters with their mobile device cameras, field workers can instantly capture meter readings, which are then verified by Tata Power-DDL to detect whether the data and images submitted are genuine and accurate.

Tata Power-DDL’s operations span across an area of 510 sq. km, including over 1.9 million meters, which are recorded monthly by field workers. With the introduction of this new solution, the company has been able to significantly improve the data quality of readings, while also reducing the cycle time of meter billing for customers. These combined benefits aim to improve the speed and efficiency of the process.

Commenting on the partnership, Ganesh Srinivasan, ​​CEO, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited said, “We are committed to enhancing customer experience through integration and adoption of latest technologies. Our partnership with Anyline is a step in the same direction. The introduction of this solution will help us in delivering value proposition to our customers while ensuring that they are billed accurately for the energy they consume.”

The solution will help to overcome human discrepancies leading to faulty readings and accordingly, ensure accuracy in meter reading and billing. It will also help to bring down the non-technical losses of the discom.

Speaking about the association, Anyline, CEO and co-founder Lukas Kinigadner said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Tata Power-DDL, a truly innovative leader in power distribution, to develop this industry-first solution. We look forward to building on this work together in the future, with the aim of further leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to resolve other key challenges in the energy sector.”

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Tata Power-DDL distributes electricity in North Delhi and serves a populace of 7 million. Tata Power-DDL has been a frontrunner in implementing power distribution reforms and is acknowledged for its consumer-friendly practices. Since privatization, the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Tata Power-DDL areas have shown a record decline. Today, AT&C losses stand at 7% which is an unprecedented reduction of 87% from an opening loss level of 53% in July 2002. To learn more about Tata Power-DDL, please visit www.tatapower-ddl.com