EV Infrastructure / Odisha proposes 290 new EV charging stations across 13 cities, highways

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Odisha has submitted a proposal to the Centre for establishing 290 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 13 major cities and along national and State highways under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, as the State seeks to strengthen infrastructure for electric mobility.

The proposed expansion, announced by the State Transport Authority on Tuesday, follows the ongoing implementation of the first phase, under which 170 charging stations were approved for seven major cities.

13 Cities in Expansion Plan

The proposed charging stations will be established in Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradip, Badabil, Balpahad, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendujhar and Rajgangpur, besides locations along various national and State highways.

Of the proposed 290 stations, 68 have been earmarked for Wayside Amenity Centres operated by the Tourism Department, while six additional locations along highways, including the high-priority Paradeep-Badabil corridor, have been incorporated into the plan.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency for executing the project. Before the final approval and sanction, BHEL General Manager J.K. Pattanaik and his team will undertake site surveys to assess the feasibility and suitability of the proposed locations.

Over 500 Stations Under State Initiative

Apart from the central scheme, Odisha is also undertaking efforts to establish more than 500 additional EV charging stations through its own initiatives.

Of these, 24 charging stations have already become operational in Bhubaneswar alone. The State is also installing charging facilities at important locations, including bus stands and truck terminals, to improve accessibility for EV users.

Boost to Electric Mobility

The expansion is expected to improve charging accessibility, reduce range anxiety among electric vehicle users and strengthen the regional EV ecosystem.

Odisha has an Electric Vehicle Policy in place, under which financial subsidies are being provided to buyers to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

The proposed expansion is part of the State government's efforts to promote cleaner transportation and strengthen supporting infrastructure for electric mobility.