India to Install 72,000 EV Charging Stations Under ₹2,000 Crore PM E-Drive Scheme

India is taking a big step toward sustainable transportation with the launch of the PM E-Drive scheme. This program focuses on building a strong network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country.

The government has allocated ₹2,000 crore for this project, aiming to install 72,000 public EV charging stations nationwide.

The charging stations will be placed in key locations like national highway corridors, metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets, and state highways. This effort is designed to make EV charging convenient and accessible for everyone and to support the wider adoption of electric vehicles.

At a meeting chaired by Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, senior officials from several ministries discussed the plan. The meeting emphasized the need for collaboration between ministries and state governments to ensure smooth implementation.

A significant feature of the scheme is the involvement of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) as the lead agency for coordinating the project. BHEL will also create a digital platform for EV users. This platform will allow users to book charging slots, make payments, check charger availability, and track deployment progress in real-time.

The PM E-Drive scheme is not only about building EV infrastructure but also about reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and creating jobs in green industries. Minister Kumaraswamy highlighted that the initiative would boost domestic manufacturing under the Make in India program and help cut carbon emissions from the transport sector.

The government is confident that this scheme will help India move closer to a future of clean, affordable, and accessible electric mobility for all.