Bhubaneswar: In an effort to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Odisha, the state government is intensifying its initiatives to bolster public charging infrastructure.
Approval has already been granted for the installation of 170 EV charging stations in seven major urban centers as part of the Central government’s PM E-Drive scheme.
Now, in the subsequent phase, a proposal has been submitted to establish an additional 290 public charging stations across 13 cities, as well as along various national and state highways, according to sources.
The planned sites for these new charging stations include Raurkela, Talachera, Sambalpur, Paradip, Barbil, Belpahad, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendujhar, and Rajgangpur.
This proposal also encompasses 68 wayside amenity centers managed by the Tourism Department, strategically located along key highways, including the economically vital Paradip-Barbil corridor.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been designated as the project implementation agency for this central initiative. Prior to the final endorsement of the proposed locations, a team will conduct field surveys to evaluate their feasibility and suitability for operation.
In addition to the centrally funded project, the Odisha Commerce and Transport Department is working on plans to set up over 500 more EV charging stations throughout the state.
Currently, 24 charging stations are already functioning in Bhubaneswar, and the government aims to install charging points in key areas, including Atal Bus Terminals and truck terminals, to enhance accessibility for electric vehicle users.
It is noteworthy that financial incentives and subsidies are being offered to motivate consumers to buy electric vehicles under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy.
