Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: New Delhi
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Electric mobility is an important part of India's strategy to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. NTPC, a leading state run power generation company, decided to diversify into setting up electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Its first electric vehicle charging business and charging stations were launched in a key Indian city. This question tests knowledge of that city and, more broadly, awareness of early steps in building charging networks for electric vehicles.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The capital city New Delhi was an early focus area for pilot projects in electric vehicle charging, given its severe air quality challenges and concentration of government institutions. NTPC collaborated with local authorities to install its first charging stations there. Although Bangalore and other cities are strong technology and automotive hubs, the first such NTPC charging points were reported in New Delhi. By recalling where NTPC launched its initial pilot stations, we can select the right option.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that NTPC, as a central government company, often starts pilot projects in or near the national capital region.
Step 2: Recall news stories that highlighted NTPC setting up charging stations at its premises and in public places in New Delhi.
Step 3: Consider Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. These cities have electric vehicle initiatives, but NTPC's first charging business announcement was tied to Delhi.
Step 4: Combine this information to narrow down the answer to New Delhi.
Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall that central ministries, power sector regulators and large public sector companies headquartered in or around Delhi wanted to showcase electric mobility at the national level. NTPC installed charging points at its offices and nearby areas in the capital, and this was covered as its entry into the electric vehicle charging segment. While later projects extended to other cities, the first city mentioned in announcements was New Delhi, confirming the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bangalore: Known for technology companies and startups, but was not the city named as the site of NTPC's first charging business.
Chennai: An automobile manufacturing hub, but not the initial focus city for NTPC's charging pilot described in this question.
Mumbai: Financial capital of India, yet the specific first step into electric vehicle charging by NTPC was reported from New Delhi.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may guess Bangalore because it is associated with innovation and electric mobility startups. Others might choose Mumbai simply because it is a large metropolis. However, the involvement of a central public sector company and the need to demonstrate the initiative near the central government makes New Delhi a more logical starting point. Paying attention to typical patterns of pilot rollout helps avoid these errors.
Final Answer:
NTPC set up its first electric vehicle charging business and stations in New Delhi.
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