Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that the West Bengal government is welcoming investments in lithium batteries, charging stations, and e-bus manufacturing, aligning with the state's shift towards electric vehicles. In a discussion with UK companies on achieving a net-zero future, Hakim expressed the state's interest in hydrogen vehicles.

He emphasised the goal of making not only Kolkata but also other urban local bodies pollution-free through sustainable development. Hakim identified specific sectors, highlighting opportunities for foreign investment. Additionally, he outlined sectors such as inland water transport, with a focus on e-ferry, modernised pontoon-cum-jetty, and roro services as areas open for investment.

The event, organised by the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata in collaboration with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saw the participation of 11 UK-based companies specialising in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, waste and water management, net-zero standards, and air pollution.

As part of the UK-India bilateral program ASPIRE, the UK government presented a roadmap for establishing an Intelligent Mobility Skill Centre in the state, announced in July of this year. The centre, managed by the state government, will offer training in various areas, particularly catering to the EV ecosystem. The UK government's role is in developing the roadmap, which was unveiled on Tuesday.

The state government is currently in discussions regarding the location of the skill center, with a couple of options under consideration. The final decision on the location will depend on the available infrastructure, according to an official statement.

Source: Knn India