The Odisha government is advancing its electric mobility initiative with a detailed proposal for 290 new public EV charging stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme from the central government.
Announced by the State Transport Authority on November 3, 2026, this initiative encompasses 13 major cities and key highway corridors, representing a crucial development for a thriving EV infrastructure in the region.
Under the guidance of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the proposal’s second phase focuses on cities such as Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradeep, Badabil, Balpahad, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendujhar (Keonjhar), and Rajgangpur, in addition to national and state highways. It notably includes 68 Wayside Amenity Centres overseen by the Tourism Department and six key locations along the Paradeep-Badabil industrial corridor, among other routes.
This follows the initial phase in which the central government approved 170 EV charging stations across seven significant cities, with construction already in progress. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been designated as the Project Implementation Agency. A team led by BHEL General Manager Shri J K Pattanaik will carry out comprehensive site assessments to ensure feasibility before final approval is granted.
In addition to the central initiative, Odisha is independently working to establish over 500 more EV charging stations, with 24 already functioning in Bhubaneswar. Plans are in place for further installations at Atal Bus Stands, truck terminals, and other strategic locations throughout the state.
This dual strategy—leveraging central support through the ₹11,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, which invests significantly in public charging infrastructure, alongside state-led initiatives—aims to enhance charging accessibility significantly. Officials highlight that this expansion is set to alleviate range anxiety for electric vehicle users, bolster tourism, streamline industrial logistics, and promote the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Odisha’s forward-thinking Electric Vehicle Policy continues to support this infrastructure development by offering financial subsidies and incentives for electric vehicle purchasers, which include assistance with purchases and exemptions from road tax and registration fees (recently extended). Collectively, these efforts position the state as a rising leader in sustainable mobility.
Once realized, the 290 proposed charging stations are anticipated to create a cohesive charging network linking urban areas, tourist destinations, and industrial centers, thereby enhancing Odisha’s role in India’s electric mobility transformation.
