Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that he will visit the Divitipally Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Telangana. This cluster supported by both the state and central governments plays a crucial role in the production of battery packs, cell manufacturing and lithium batteries, which are vital for the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry in India.
A Hub for EV and Electronics Manufacturing
The Divitipally cluster is one of three electronics manufacturing clusters in Telangana supported by the Central Government. It focuses on advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in the production of lithium batteries and related components, which are essential for the EV sector.
During his visit, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of the cluster, stating, “PM Modi has put a huge emphasis on electronics manufacturing, and in Telangana, we have three electronics manufacturing clusters supported by the Central Government, one of which is in Divitipally, where I am visiting today. It will be used mainly for battery packs, cell manufacturing, lithium batteries, which is very important for the electric vehicle industry, which is growing in the country. This is supported by the state and central government together. The central government has provided funds for the infrastructure. I think this is a very state-of-the-art factory that we will see.”
Strengthening India’s EV Ecosystem
The Divitipally cluster is a testament to India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in electronics and EV manufacturing. By localizing the production of critical components like lithium batteries, the cluster aims to reduce dependency on imports and support the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
The facility is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the development of a robust EV ecosystem in the country. It aligns with the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions and the government’s push for green energy and electric vehicles.
Railways’ Initiatives for Crowd Control and Passenger Convenience
In addition to his visit to the Divitipally cluster, Minister Vaishnaw also addressed key initiatives in the railway sector. On Friday, he chaired a high-level meeting on crowd control at railway stations, announcing the creation of permanent waiting areas outside 60 major stations across the country.
Pilot projects for this initiative have already been launched at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Patna stations. Under the new system, passengers will be allowed to access platforms only when their trains arrive, helping to decongest stations and improve passenger convenience.
Key Decisions from the Railway Meeting
- Waiting Areas for Non-Ticket Holders: Passengers without tickets or with waiting list tickets will be required to wait in designated outside waiting areas, while those with confirmed tickets will have direct access to platforms.
- New Foot Over Bridge (FOB) Designs: Inspired by the arrangements at Mahakumbh, the railways have developed two new FOB designs—12-meter-wide (40 feet) and 6-meter-wide (20 feet)—to be installed at all major stations.
- Enhanced Surveillance: A large number of CCTV cameras will be installed at stations and adjoining areas for close monitoring and improved security.
- Authorized Access: Railway staff will be issued new identity cards to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas.
- Ticket Sales Regulation: Station directors will be empowered to control ticket sales based on the station’s capacity and available trains, ensuring better crowd management.
A Vision for Modernization and Efficiency
Minister Vaishnaw’s visit to the Divitipally cluster and his initiatives in the railway sector reflect the government’s focus on modernization, efficiency, and sustainability. By investing in advanced manufacturing and improving public transportation infrastructure, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens while driving economic growth.
The Divitipally electronics manufacturing cluster and the railway crowd control measures are prime examples of how strategic investments and innovative solutions can transform key sectors, paving the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for India.