State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) is poised to be nominated as the lead tendering and demand aggregation agency for the installation of 72,300 electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations across India under the ambitious ₹10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme. This initiative is a cornerstone of India’s national strategy to accelerate EV adoption and build a robust, accessible charging network nationwide.
PM E-Drive Scheme: A Transformative Push for EV Infrastructure
Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM E-Drive scheme aims to create a nationwide EV-ready ecosystem with a financial outlay of ₹2,000 crore specifically earmarked for charging infrastructure. The plan targets the deployment of charging stations along 50 national highway corridors and at key high-traffic locations such as metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets, and state highways.
Unified Digital Platform and Stakeholder Collaboration
BHEL is also expected to develop and operate a unified digital super app that will serve as a single platform for EV users, offering real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability status, and deployment progress dashboards. The agency will coordinate with states and ministries to compile and evaluate proposals for charger installations, ensuring streamlined implementation and monitoring.
Scheme Details and Broader Impact
The PM E-Drive scheme, running from October 2024 to March 2026, is designed to support a broad spectrum of EVs—including e-2 wheelers, e-3 wheelers, e-buses, e-trucks, and e-ambulances—alongside charging infrastructure and testing agency upgrades. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce India’s carbon emissions from transport, promote Make in India manufacturing, and lay the foundation for a net-zero mobility future.
Government Vision: Clean, Connected, and Convenient Mobility
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy emphasized the importance of collaborative federalism and integrated action among ministries, public sector enterprises, and states to deliver results on the ground. The PM E-Drive scheme is projected to catalyze new industries, generate green jobs, and offer seamless electric mobility to every Indian, positioning the country as a global model for sustainable transport.
