Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): In a major push toward clean and sustainable mobility, the Odisha government has proposed the installation of 190 electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations across six key cities under the Centre’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070 and accelerate India’s transition to green transport solutions. The scheme, notified on September 29, 2024, has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, including ₹2,000 crore specifically earmarked for EV public charging infrastructure.
According to official sources, Odisha has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry of Heavy Industries for deploying charging stations across Angul, Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Kalinganagar, and Puri. The proposal was submitted by the State Transport Authority under the Commerce & Transport Department, which is acting as the nodal agency for the scheme in the state.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency for setting up the EV charging network. Officials from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and BHEL are expected to conduct site surveys and feasibility assessments before final approvals and sanctioning of the proposed stations.
A high-level review meeting was recently held in Bhubaneswar, attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary NBS Rajput, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and representatives of the concerned departments.
Officials said the project will significantly improve charging accessibility, reduce range anxiety among EV users, and encourage faster adoption of electric mobility in Odisha. It is also expected to attract investment, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the state’s clean energy ecosystem.
The move reflects Odisha’s proactive participation in the national EV transition and positions the state as a key emerging hub for green mobility in eastern India.
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