Bengaluru: In a significant move towards sustainability, Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore (KIAL) has partnered with Refex eVeelz to introduce a fleet of 75 compact SUV electric taxis on the occasion of World Environment Day.
KIAL CEO Hari Marar and Principal Secretary of the Department of Forests, Environment, and Biology, Ravi B.P., inaugurated the new electric taxis at the airport premises. Hari Marar emphasized the airport’s commitment to creating an environment-friendly atmosphere by converting a significant portion of the fuel-based taxi fleet to electric vehicles. He noted that 50% of the taxis, including the new 75 compact SUV electric taxis, are now electric, with plans to further increase this number in the future.
Anil Jain, Managing Director of the Refex Group, highlighted the opportunity to provide EV taxis at the airport through Refex’s Green initiative. Passengers can conveniently book these new EV airport taxis at both terminals’ taxi stands and through the BLR Pulse mobile app. The electric taxis come in two distinctive colors: light blue, symbolizing sustainability, and pink, indicating that these taxis will be exclusively driven by female drivers. Each passenger will also receive a complimentary “pink card” with emergency contact numbers, enhancing safety measures.
Moreover, the airport has implemented semi-robotic aircraft towing vehicles and EVs both airside and landside, aligning with BIAL’s long-term vision of converting all vehicles at BLR Airport to sustainable options. These initiatives aim to prioritize passenger well-being while fostering a broader ecological environment and promoting a greener future.
In celebration of World Environment Day, the program also included the planting of 100 saplings on the airport campus, contributing to the creation of a green environment that provides shade and nurtures the surrounding ecosystem.