Freight movement to take e-mobility route in Kochi

Corporation to implement low-carbon action plan

A fleet of electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) will ferry cargo to Ernakulam market that is awaiting reconstruction as part of infra projects of Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML). This push for e-mobility to ferry goods is part of EcoLogistics, a low-carbon action plan that will be implemented jointly by the Kochi Corporation and ICLEI-South Asia. Apart from Kochi, the project is being implemented in Shimla and Panaji and in three cities each in Argentina and Colombia. The German-funded project aims to lessen carbon emission caused by freight movement in cities and to relocate godowns and warehouses from cities to well-planned logistics hubs in the suburbs. The action plan to lessen pollution caused by freight movement was readied based on a study conducted in Kochi. It was commissioned as part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI). The Kochi Corporation has approved the plan for the market, while ICI approval is awaited. Talks are on with manufacturers to select e-LCVs, official sources said.