Calcutta, Jun 21 (KNN) Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, has introduced its eco-friendly electric vehicle service, Uber Green, in Calcutta.

The launch, announced on Thursday, marks a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation in the eastern Indian metropolis.

With this move, Uber becomes the second ride-hailing service provider to offer electric vehicles in Calcutta, following the footsteps of Snap E, a brand operating with an all-electric fleet.

West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty welcomed the initiative, stating, "Enhancing the air quality in Kolkata is a shared duty we all must embrace. I commend Uber for introducing 'Uber Green' in Calcutta, a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in our city."

According to Uber's statement, the new service allows residents to book zero-emission rides easily through the Uber app. The green transportation option covers routes across the city, including to and from Kolkata international airport.

While specific details about the number of vehicles under Uber Green or expansion plans for Calcutta were not disclosed, the company reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a zero-emissions mobility platform.

Uber aims to achieve this goal by 2030 in Europe and North America, and globally by 2040.

The company also highlighted that EV drivers on its platform are transitioning to electric vehicles five times faster than the general public, underscoring the potential impact of such initiatives on accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation.

This launch aligns with the growing trend of eco-friendly transportation options in urban centres and could potentially pave the way for more sustainable mobility solutions in Calcutta and beyond.

(KNN Bureau)