New Delhi: To promote sustainable transportation, the Indian government has established 5,293 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along national highways, with 4,729 set up by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) at an expenditure of Rs. 178 crore. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to combat global warming and reduce carbon emissions.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has also set a target to establish 5,833 EV charging stations along highways out of a total of 7,432 through three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under MoP&NG. These efforts are supported by a capital subsidy of Rs. 800 crore.
Electric vehicles are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary cause of global warming. By increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure, the government aims to encourage more people to switch from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, thereby reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
The state-wise distribution of these charging stations highlights a significant investment in regions with high traffic density and strategic importance. Maharashtra leads with 750 stations, followed by Karnataka with 300, and Uttar Pradesh with 577. Odisha also sees significant investment, with 189 charging stations established along its national highways, making it a key player in the national drive towards electrification.
This widespread infrastructure development ensures that EV users have convenient access to charging facilities, promoting a smoother transition to electric mobility.
While there are currently no plans to establish power stations specifically for these EV charging stations, the government’s robust plan indicates a strong commitment to enhancing the EV ecosystem.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, stating that the expansion of EV charging infrastructure is a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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