In its efforts to ensure the optimum use of renewable energy in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced its plans to install solar panels on the 296-kilometres long Bundelkhand Expressway.
“As per CM Yogi’s intention, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is preparing to execute the unique initiative and has already issued a letter of ‘Expression of Interest’. Accordingly, a detailed plan has been prepared to convert Bundelkhand Expressway into a ‘Solar Expressway’ with installation of solar panels on a large scale based on the PPP [private public partnership] model,” an official statement issued by the state government on August 10 mentioned.
Also Read: Explained: PM Modi inaugurates Purvanchal Expressway — its key features, objectives
The ‘Expression of Interest’ seeks applications and suggestions from private companies to develop the Bundelkhand Expressway as a solar expressway and install solar panels. Interested applicants can apply by mailing at ‘upeida2@gmail.com’ by 3 PM till August 17.
Out of the applications received, the selected applicant will then be invited to give further presentations and after the finalisation of the application process, the process of installation of solar panels will be started.
It is noteworthy that the 296 KMs long four-lane highway has two parts as main carriageway and service lane. Between these two, the area with a width of about 15 to 20 metres is currently vacant on the entire expressway, which is used as a fence to separate it from agricultural land. The plan is to cover this area with solar panels.
