Patna: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has begun site surveys for proposed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Bihar under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with 72 locations across six districts to be assessed between August 17 and August 20.
The first phase of the project envisages public EV charging stations at 129 locations across 23 districts, with a focus on major highways and urban areas.
BHEL Team Visits Six Districts
A BHEL team is conducting surveys in Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, Purnia, Nalanda and Chhapra as part of the initial assessment.
The survey will examine the suitability and availability of sites, power connectivity, accessibility and other technical requirements needed to establish charging stations.
Based on the findings, suitable locations will be taken forward for the installation of charging infrastructure.
Transport Department Holds Meeting With BHEL
A meeting on the project was held on August 17 at the Transport Secretary’s office at Vishveshvaraiya Bhavan.
Transport Department Secretary Raj Kumar, Ministry of Heavy Industries Director Amarendra Kishore Singh and BHEL General Manager J.K. Patnaik, along with other officials, attended the meeting.
The concerned districts and departmental officials have been instructed to provide the necessary support to the BHEL team so that the surveys can be completed within the scheduled period.
Rs 2,000 Crore Provision Under PM E-DRIVE
The project is being implemented under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which was notified in September 2024 with an overall outlay of Rs 10,900 crore.
The scheme includes a provision of Rs 2,000 crore for developing public EV charging stations. The initiative is aimed at expanding charging infrastructure and supporting the adoption of electric mobility.
The proposed charging network in Bihar will be developed in phases, with priority given to locations along major highways and in urban areas.
Officials Highlight EV Infrastructure Push
Transport Secretary Raj Kumar said developing a robust charging network is among the state’s priorities for promoting electric mobility.
He said charging stations along highways and in urban areas would improve access to charging facilities and support greater adoption of electric vehicles in Bihar.
Amarendra Kishore Singh said the initiative would strengthen the EV ecosystem in Bihar and contribute to the wider expansion of electric mobility.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has received a proposal from the Bihar Transport Department for establishing charging infrastructure at 129 locations across 23 districts. BHEL has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency for setting up the proposed public EV charging stations.
The expansion of charging infrastructure is part of efforts to support cleaner transport and the broader national transition towards electric mobility.
