Politics · India Bureau
Odisha seeks approval for 290 new EV charging stations across state
The Odisha government has proposed establishing 290 additional public electric vehicle charging stations across 13 cities under the central PM E-DRIVE scheme. The proposal marks the second phase of the state's efforts to expand EV infrastructure following the approval of 170 charging stations in seven major cities.
LSN India ·
Odisha's Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena has directed the submission of a proposal to the central government for setting up 290 new public EV charging stations as part of phase two of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, according to state officials. The initiative aims to bolster the state's electric vehicle charging network and support the transition to cleaner transportation.
The first phase of the scheme has already secured central approval for 170 EV charging stations across seven major Odisha cities, with implementation currently underway. The proposed second-phase locations span 13 cities including Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradip, Barbil, Balpahad, Berhampur, Brajarajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Keonjhar and Rajgangpur.
Beyond urban centers, the proposal includes charging stations along various national and state highways to facilitate long-distance EV travel. The state has also identified 68 proposed locations at Wayside Amenity Centres managed by the tourism department, integrating EV infrastructure with existing roadside facilities.
The expansion aligns with India's broader push to accelerate EV adoption and reduce transportation emissions. As the government progresses implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, Odisha's proposal reflects growing state-level commitment to establishing a comprehensive charging network that supports both urban mobility and inter-city travel.