From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 18: The Electric Vehicle Mobility Centre of Excellence and Innovation set up at JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru campus (JSSATE-B) was launched by Large and Medium Industries Minister on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the launch marks a significant milestone in Karnataka's journey towards sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
"The state being at the forefront to foster the growth of the EV sector has successfully attracted investments of Rs 25,000 crore, spanning the entire value chain. This encompasses battery pack & cell manufacturing, component production, original equipment manufacturing (OEMs), and charging and testing infrastructure. Further, an additional investment of Rs 15,000 crore is expected to flow towards research and development in the sector," the Minister explained.
Karnataka has registered around 2 lakh EVs in the State, making it the third highest in the country, he added that the state is home to 7+ auto OEMs & 50+ auto component manufacturers, and 45+ Electric Vehicle start-ups, he said.
The development of the overall Auto/EV ecosystem in Karnataka is poised to bring about significant employment opportunities. To ensure a skilled workforce, we have proactively partnered with leading companies such as Tata Technologies and Siemens.
“This Center of Excellence & Innovation for Electric Vehicle Mobility at JSS Academy of Technical Education (Bengaluru), is strategically positioned to play a critical role in achieving our modern transportation goals,’’ Patil opined.
It would serve as a hub for training, research, and innovation in the EV domain, enhancing workforce skills, preparing graduates for entrepreneurship, promoting globally relevant technology, fostering collaborative partnerships, and offering incubation and skill development, he wished.
Sutturu Mutt Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Maha Swameeji, Member of Parliament D V Sadananda Gowda, and MLA S T Somashekhar were present
Minister Commutes by Metro Train
The Minister MB Patil, who also holds the Infrastructure Development portfolio opted for an eco-friendly mode of transportation on Wednesday as he travelled by the metro train en route to the JSSATE-B campus to attend the inauguration of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Mobility Centre of Excellence & Innovation.
While on his travel from Vidhana Soudha station to Kengeri station, the Minister took the opportunity to engage with fellow travellers, aiming to gain insights into how beneficial the Metro train system has been for their daily commutes.
In candid conversations with commuters, he sought their opinions and experiences about the metro train service in the city.
Speaking about his decision to travel by Metro train Patil said, "Though, I had travelled by Metro trains in other cities I had not experienced it here. As a Minister for Industries and Infrastructure Development, I wanted to gain first-hand insights into commuters' experiences with the metro train facility here."