Odisha Plans Major Expansion of EV Charging Infrastructure with 190 New Stations

The state government of Odisha is set to significantly boost its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by establishing 190 new public EV charging stations across six key cities. This ambitious initiative, proposed to the Centre, falls under the PM Electric Drive Revolution under the Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which aims to strengthen India's national charging network and combat range anxiety among EV users. The cities slated for this initial phase of development include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Angul, Balasore, and Kalinganagar.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed as the project implementing agency, indicating a coordinated effort between state and central entities. The PM E-DRIVE scheme, notified in September 2024 with a substantial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, specifically earmarks ₹2,000 crore for the development of EV public charging stations nationwide. Officials anticipate that once implemented in Odisha, this project will dramatically enhance charging accessibility and foster a robust EV ecosystem in the region, aligning with India's net-zero goals.

Currently, Odisha has approximately 100 public charging stations, and EV sales have accounted for around 9-10 percent of total vehicle sales since 2022-23. The expansion targets state capitals, cities with populations exceeding one million, smart cities, and those identified under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in its first phase. Subsequent phases will extend these charging facilities to 12 additional cities under the State Clean Air Programme, further solidifying Odisha's commitment to sustainable mobility.