New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, the government has announced plans to set up 5,833 new EV charging stations along highways, aiming to accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable mobility.
The announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. He revealed that the Ministry of Heavy Industries has set a target to install the stations under a scheme involving three oil marketing companies.
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Subsidy and Current Network
The government has already allocated a subsidy of ₹800 crore to three oil marketing companies for establishing a total of 7,432 EV charging stations.
- Currently, India has 5,293 EV charging stations operating on national highways.
- Of these, 4,729 were developed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at a cost of ₹178 crore, according to a report by The Economic Times.
State-Wise Distribution of EV Stations
Maharashtra leads with the highest number of EV charging stations (750), followed by:
- Uttar Pradesh: 577
- Rajasthan: 482
- Tamil Nadu: 369
- Karnataka: 300
- Haryana: 284
E-Highways on the Horizon
The government is also preparing a long-term plan to develop EV-ready highways on the Golden Quadrilateral network. These highways will feature green energy-enabled charging infrastructure, designed to power inter-city public transport and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The broader initiative, set to run for the next seven years, will also encourage the adoption of electric buses, cut fuel consumption, and lower vehicular emissions.
India’s ambitious EV push comes as part of its larger strategy to curb pollution, enhance energy security, and position itself as a global leader in the clean mobility space. With new charging stations, the government hopes to make long-distance EV travel on highways more reliable and convenient.
