Patna: Bihar Transport Department is preparing to establish 48 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Patna and surrounding areas under the PM E-Drive Scheme. The initiative is aimed at improving charging infrastructure and addressing range anxiety among EV users as the number of electric vehicles continues to rise in the state.
The Patna Municipal Corporation and several municipal councils have submitted a list of proposed sites for the charging stations. A technical team will inspect these locations before granting final approval.
Charging Network Planned Across Patna
According to the Transport Department, the charging network will cover key areas within Patna as well as important connecting routes, enabling EV owners to recharge their vehicles during both city and intercity travel.
The department had sought suitable land from the Patna Municipal Corporation for the project and also requested sites along the Gaya–Masaurhi road, Naubatpur, Paliganj and other nearby municipal council areas.
Officials said the objective is to develop an accessible public charging network that supports the growing use of electric mobility in the region.
Demand Driven by Rising EV Adoption
The number of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers in Patna has increased steadily in recent years. Rising fuel prices have encouraged more consumers to shift towards electric vehicles.
However, the limited availability of public charging infrastructure has remained a challenge, particularly for commuters travelling longer distances. The proposed charging stations are expected to improve convenience and increase confidence among prospective EV buyers.
Charging Facility and Payment System
The public charging stations will be open to all eligible electric vehicle users upon payment of a prescribed fee.
According to the Transport Department:
- Charging charges will be calculated on an hourly and per-minute basis.
- Tariffs will vary depending on the category of vehicle.
- Payments are expected to be made through a digital and user-friendly system.
- Initially, the stations will cater only to standard electric vehicles.
Electric Buses Excluded in Initial Phase
Electric buses and heavy commercial electric vehicles will not be able to use these charging stations during the initial phase.
The department said heavy vehicles require high-capacity fast chargers supported by high-voltage electricity and dedicated transformers. As a result, the first phase of the project has been designed primarily for small and medium electric vehicles.
Proposed Locations
The preliminary list of proposed charging station sites includes:
- Near Pink City Marriage Hall
- Gaya–Masaurhi Road
- Kulharia Complex
- Bankipur-1
- Subhash Park
- P&M Mall basement
- Industrial Area
- Opposite Ambedkar Bhawan
- Nala Road
- 52 Bigha Arya Kumar Road
- M Toli
- Vaishali Golambar to Dinkar Golambar
- Malahi Pakri
- Near the Rain Basera
- Around Medanta Hospital
- SBI ATM premises
- Lohia Nagar Park
- JP Setu Marine Drive Golambar
- Janardan Ghat
- Naubatpur
- Paliganj
- Additional locations along the Gaya–Masaurhi route
The Transport Department said the final list will be released after technical inspections are completed.
Environmental and Mobility Benefits
Officials believe the expansion of public charging infrastructure will encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, and contribute to lower vehicular emissions.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to promote clean transportation and strengthen electric mobility infrastructure across Bihar.
Construction to Begin After Site Approval
The Transport Department is currently evaluating the proposed sites submitted by urban local bodies. Construction work will begin after technical clearance is granted for eligible locations.
Officials said the department intends to complete the rollout of the charging network at the earliest to make public EV charging more accessible across Patna and nearby areas.
