PATNA: Excitement is building as Bihar gears up for the highly anticipated Bihar EV Conclave and Expo, a collaborative effort by the Bihar Transport Department, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), and WRI India. Scheduled to take place at Patna’s Hotel Maurya on January 11, this event promises to be a groundbreaking platform for showcasing electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, fostering awareness and promoting the transition towards electric mobility.
In preparation for the event, stalls are swiftly being erected at Hotel Maurya, transforming it into a vibrant hub where attendees can explore the latest advancements in electric transportation. The conclave aims to bring together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to share insights and discuss the future of sustainable road transport in Bihar.
The conclave will host insightful deliberations by senior officials from the central government, including Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser at NITI Aayog.
Joining the panel discussions, Dr. Andrew Fleming, Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India at the British High Commission, and Haimanti Poddar, Senior Regional Adviser – Climate Change and Energy at the British Deputy High Commission, will provide their perspectives on electric mobility.
Notable figures from the Bihar government, including Chief Secretary Amir Subhani, Development Commissioner Vivek Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Road Construction) Pratyaya Amrit, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Sandeep Poundrik and Principal Secretary (Energy) Sanjeev Hans, and others, will actively participate in panel discussions. The event will be inaugurated by Transport Minister Sheela Kumari, who will also inaugurate the EV expo on the sidelines of the conclave.
Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India, will kickstart the deliberations with a special address, while Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director Climate Program, WRI India, and Pawan Mulukutla, Executive Director Integrated Transport, WRI India, will moderate panel discussions on ‘State Action Plan for EV and E-Mobility’ and ‘Charging Ahead: Driving EV Adoption and Growth,’ respectively.
Transport Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal emphasized the unique opportunity the EV Conclave offers to gain insights into the electric vehicle industry, environmentally friendly transportation facilities, EV technology, battery technology, accessories, services, and the latest updates. “The transition to electric mobility is a promising strategy in the light of the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, an increase in fuel costs, and environmental pollution. This conclave will be a significant step towards eco-friendly transportation solutions,” he stated.
The organizers, fueled by a commitment to make a substantial impact, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Bihar EV Conclave and Expo becomes a resounding success, laying the foundation for a greener and more sustainable future in the realm of transportation in Bihar.
Abhay Jha, administrator, Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), revealed that ten leading EV manufacturing firms will showcase their products in the EV Expo, featuring buses, four-wheelers and two-wheelers. “We are ready to display a state-of-the-art exhibition of electric vehicles, providing hands-on information about electric mobility and charging facilities,” he said.
