As part of the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Services (AMTS), in collaboration with Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), launched a ‘Cool Bus Stop’ at Lal Darwaja, platform numbers 7 and 8, on Tuesday, using ‘khus curtain’.
According to a release, the bus stop, which is most exposed to direct sunlight and sees a footfall of around 3,000 daily, was picked for the initiative. The structure incorporates khus curtains made from dried vetiver grass that will provide additional natural cooling by acting as a barrier to both hot and cool air.
The high-pressure mist cooling system produces tiny water droplets that absorb heat from the environment, reducing temperatures by 6-7°C and making the waiting area significantly more comfortable.
“The cooling system is energy-efficient, consuming less electricity than traditional air conditioners, reducing energy usage and lowering carbon emissions, making it an eco-friendly cooling solution”, said the release. The cool bus stop also includes automatic and smart features, such as a timer panel along with water- and electricity-saving mechanisms to ensure optimal operation and conservation. Additionally, the dust suppression feature helps reduce dust and pollutants, improving air quality for commuters.
The launch was attended by Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Standing Committee Chairperson Hemant Parmar, AMTS Chairman Dharamshibhai Desai, and Mahila Housing Trust Programme Manager Dipika Vadgama.
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