How much more time for Akota – Dandiabazaar bridge solar panel dome ?

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation laid out a plan for the construction of solar panel dome at Akota-Dandiabazaar link bridge in 2014. Energy Minister, Saurab Patel had set up the foundation for the plan. The project is India’s first ever solar plant established over a bridge. The bridge is 2 kilometers long with a dome covering an area of 280m wherein it will have a semi- circular base on which the solar panels will be installed. The primary aim of the plan is to generate and supply electricity to streetlights and ensure their functioning across the city. The complete plan costs approximately 25.5 crores with a generation of  average 3MW solar energy  every day as per media reports.

Currently, the structure of the semi-circular base is in progress. In a conversation with Corporation Future Cell Department’s official, he stated, “Framework for solar panels is almost done, now the tendering process will start inviting companies for solar panel installation”.  The solar panel part is handled by Streets and Lights department of VMC. The project has taken quite long to complete and the members of the officials believe that the bridge is a busy stretch of road with heavy traffic. Adding to that, they also don’t get permission to block the road at daytime. Therefore they strictly have to work according to the bridge’s vehicular movement as its important bridge connecting old city to new city. The plan was put into action over three years ago is expected to get over soon.