Patna: The Bihar Transport Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to promote electric vehicles and expand the state’s EV charging infrastructure.
Under the agreement, IOCL will install fast EV charging stations at 10 key government premises in Patna during the first phase.
The MoU was signed on Friday by State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan on behalf of the Transport Department and Rajiv Kumar, State Retail Sales Head (Bihar) at IOCL. Officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony.
10 locations to get fast charging stations
The charging stations will be installed at:
- Visvesvaraya Bhawan
- Vikas Bhawan
- Sinchai Bhawan
- Main Secretariat
- Patna Collectorate
- Vidhan Sabha
- Multi-Modal Hub
- Multi-Level Car Parking
- Beur Mor
- Harding Road
The facilities are expected to provide charging options to government employees and officials as well as members of the public visiting these locations.
Government aims to expand EV infrastructure
Ahsan said the agreement with IOCL marked an important step towards strengthening Bihar’s EV charging network.
He said the state government was working towards developing a clean, safe and sustainable transport system and that electric vehicles would play an important role in the future of transportation.
According to Ahsan, adequate and accessible charging infrastructure is essential for encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles. The Transport Department is also working with public and private sector organisations to expand charging facilities across the state.
IOCL has 210 charging stations in Bihar
Rajiv Kumar said IOCL was supporting the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in Bihar in view of the growing potential for electric vehicles in the state.
He said IOCL has already established 210 EV charging stations across Bihar.
Under the new agreement, additional charging facilities will be developed at designated government premises, providing EV users with more accessible charging options.
Rising EV numbers drive demand
The Transport Department said the number of electric vehicles in Bihar has been steadily increasing, making expansion of the charging network increasingly important.
The department said charging facilities at government offices, public spaces and educational institutions would give EV users more convenient options during their daily travel and support the wider adoption of electric vehicles in the state.
