India Accelerates National EV Charging Grid under PM E-Drive Initiative, ₹2,000 Crore Allocated for 72,000 Public EV Charging Stations Across India

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Chairs Inter-Ministerial Meeting to Expedite Deployment

New Delhi: In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy, convened an inter-ministerial coordination meeting today. Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the Ministry of Heavy Industries gathered to review and expedite the implementation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive scheme.

Launched under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the PM E-Drive initiative aims to establish a comprehensive EV-ready ecosystem that promotes cleaner transportation and reduces India’s reliance on fossil fuels.

With a substantial financial commitment of ₹2,000 crore, the PM E-Drive scheme will facilitate the installation of approximately 72,000 public EV charging stations nationwide. These stations will be strategically located along 50 national highway corridors and in high-traffic areas, including major metropolitan cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets, and state highways.

Kumaraswamy remarked, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is poised to become a global leader in sustainable transportation. The PM E-Drive scheme is a transformative initiative designed to provide our citizens with access to clean, affordable, and convenient mobility options. We are not merely constructing infrastructure; we are laying the groundwork for energy security and fostering green economic growth.”

The minister also recognized the vital role of various stakeholders in the successful implementation of this initiative. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for demand aggregation and the development of a comprehensive digital super app. This app will serve as a unified platform for electric vehicle (EV) users across India.

The app will offer features such as real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability status, and progress dashboards to monitor national deployment under the PM E-Drive scheme. Additionally, BHEL will collaborate with state governments and ministries to compile and assess proposals for charger installations.

Minister underscored the significance of collaborative federalism and the convergence of missions, stating: “The clean energy transition cannot succeed in isolation. This meeting exemplifies our commitment to functioning as a unified government. Ministries, public sector enterprises, and state authorities are all aligned to deliver tangible results. We are confident that the PM E-Drive initiative will catalyze the emergence of new industries, create green jobs, and provide seamless electric mobility for every Indian.”

The anticipated success of this project is expected to significantly reduce India’s carbon emissions from the transportation sector, promote domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative for EV infrastructure, and establish a foundation for a net-zero mobility future.