KOLKATA: NKDA has planned to take up a pilot project to set up a smart pedestrian pavement with solar paver blocks that will be integrated with electric vehicle charging units on the stretch in front of Rabindra Tirtha in New Town.
The authorities have initiated the process to engage an agency to take up the project. An estimated Rs 9.1 crore has been pegged for the proposed project which the selected agency will need to complete within 120 days or four months.
NKDA officials said the project has been planned to further develop the use of solar energy in New Town. “Urban land has become costlier to install solar panels. Previously, we had installed solar panels and set up floating solar plants on water bodies and stress has been given on installing rooftop solar panels. Now we are exploring if the pavements could be used,” said an NKDA official.
Officials said the plan is to use a small portion of the pavement to install solar paver blocks on the sides. “The technology is seen in many places abroad. Solar panels will be integrated with the paver blocks and will be covered with a kind of toughened glass that will not get damaged if one steps on it,” said an official.
“The stretch in front of Rabindra Tirtha is one of the busiest intersections. The plan is to have a few EV charging units which will be integrated with the solar paver blocks for easy availability on the main arterial road,” an official said.
NKDA has developed a 400m service road from Swapno Bhor park to New Town mela ground with internet hot spots, solar benches, solar trees, water ATMs and plastic-laid road.
