India has taken a decisive step toward scaling its electric mobility infrastructure with the fast-tracked rollout of the PM E-Drive scheme. With a financial outlay of ₹2,000 crore, the initiative will support the installation of approximately 72,000 public EV charging stations nationwide, covering high-density corridors and strategic urban locations.
At an inter-ministerial coordination meeting held today, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy reviewed the implementation roadmap alongside senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Road Transport & Highways, and Heavy Industries.
The meeting focused on accelerating deployment timelines, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and identifying key stakeholders responsible for execution.
Charging points to span national corridors and key public hubs
The new charging stations will be deployed along 50 national highway corridors and will include high-traffic destinations such as metro cities, airports, railway stations, fuel outlets, toll plazas, and state highways. The goal is to create a seamless nationwide grid that supports India’s push toward sustainable, low-emission transportation.
The minister reiterated the scheme’s long-term vision to establish India as a global leader in clean mobility, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and lay the foundation for a green, self-reliant economy.
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BHEL to lead digital and operational coordination
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is being considered as the nodal agency to oversee demand aggregation and digital infrastructure for the scheme. BHEL is expected to lead the development of a unified EV super app, which will enable real-time charger availability, slot booking, payment integration, and national rollout dashboards.
The app will also serve as a platform for states and ministries to submit and track proposals for infrastructure deployment, ensuring greater coordination and accountability.
Driving green growth and job creation
The initiative is expected to create significant green jobs, promote Make in India manufacturing in EV infrastructure, and help lower India’s transport-related carbon emissions. Minister Kumaraswamy emphasised that the clean energy transition must be built on collaborative governance and that success will depend on “federal alignment and execution on the ground.”
With PM E-Drive, India aims to build not just infrastructure—but a national framework for net-zero mobility, energy security, and future-ready urban transport.
