Bhubaneswar, Jun 6: In a major push towards green mobility, the Odisha Transport Department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for setting up EV charging stations across the state.

The government plans to establish EV charging infrastructure in all urban local bodies, with municipal administrations tasked with identifying suitable land in cities.

Priority will be given to government buildings, parking hubs, and market areas. While selecting locations, authorities will consider land availability, public accessibility, power connectivity, safety measures, parking facilities, and future expansion potential.

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Urban bodies will also develop necessary supporting infrastructure including parking sheds, lighting, drinking water, sanitation, and other amenities at these stations.

Selected agencies will handle the installation, operation, and maintenance of EV charging stations. In a landmark decision effective from June 1, the state government has made it mandatory for all departments to procure only electric vehicles for official use.

The order also makes EV usage compulsory for all government offices. This policy applies from block and tehsil levels to the Chief Minister and Governor’s offices. Monthly vehicle hire charges have been fixed by the Finance Department.

Monthly Vehicle Hire Charges

• Governor, CM, Chief Justice, Judges & Ministers: Monthly rent for premium EVs – ₹55,000 to ₹80,000
• Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner & equivalent top officials: ₹70,000
• Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries & Secretaries: ₹65,000
• District Judges, District Collectors & SPs: ₹60,000
• Lower-level officers (Tehsil/Block level): ₹55,000
• Other departmental vehicles: ₹50,000 per month (fixed)

If the hired agency manages battery charging, an additional ₹2 per kilometre will be paid. No extra payment will be made if the government provides charging facilities. These rates will remain valid for the next two years.

Departments can also hire up to 300 EVs through tenders via the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA). The policy extends to all government undertakings, educational institutions, universities, and societies.

The move comes amid global fuel crises triggered by tensions in the Middle East, which have strained state finances due to rising fuel costs.