DECARBONIZING THE CORRIDOR: A SCALABLE FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATED TRANSIT AND EV REST AREAS

Abstract

This thesis formulates a comprehensive site planning and spatial design framework for a Net-Zero Highway EV Charging Rest Area at Kohinoor, Malappuram, on National Highway 66 (NH-66), Kerala. The study is motivated by the concurrent operationalisation of the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Deepwater Port, the ongoing six-laning of NH-66 by NHAI, and the designation of NH-66 as India's first State-Led Electric Truck Corridor under the Central Government's PM E-DRIVE Scheme (2024). Primary data was collected through two field surveys: (1) a structured Traffic Volume Count (TVC) conducted between 09:00 and 17:00 hours using the IRC Classified Manual Count methodology, and (2) a structured EV User Preference Survey administered to 59 respondents along the NH-66 corridor. The TVC recorded an estimated 3,182 daily vehicles at the Kohinoor site, with EVs constituting 6.6% (211 vehicles per day) and heavy commercial vehicles forming 34.5% of the total flow. Peak hour volume was identified at 17:00 with 404 vehicles per hour. The survey revealed a 100% charger fault concern rate and a clear two-tier amenity hierarchy, with family dining and premium washrooms emerging as the top-ranked facilities. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes a three-zone segregated planning framework: Zone A . a 1.0-acre Heavy Logistics E-Truck Hub with pull-through CCS-II DC chargers; Zone B . a 0.6-acre Passenger EV Charging Zone with a 240 kW grid-tied Solar PV Canopy and BESS; and Zone C . a 0.4-acre Amenity Core incorporating a halal-certified restaurant, premium washrooms, prayer room (Musallah), waiting lounge, and convenience store. The energy strategy proposes a grid-interactive Net-Zero system anchored to the KSEB 33kV substation 600 metres from the site, achieving annual carbon neutrality through seasonal solar export-import balance. A supplementary Catenary Electric Road System (ERS) framework is proposed for the heavy freight component based on logistics operator consultation, addressing the dwell-time and payload penalties inherent to static plug-in charging for 40-ton trucks.