New Delhi, May 24, 2025 — In a historic initiative to speed up India’s e-mobility transition. The Government of India has formally designated BHEL. As the nodal agency to spearhead the implementation of a pan-India EV charging infrastructure. Under the ambitious PM E-Drive plan. The move is intended to revolutionize the nation’s transportation sector. Promoting greater EV adoption and convenience for millions of Indians.
BHEL: A Game-Changing Initiative
The PM E-Drive plan, which was rolled out last month. Envisions creating a strong, dependable, and user-centric EV charging infrastructure in India. Supported by a government fund of ₹2,000 crore. The plan seeks the setup of 72,000 public charging stations by March 2026. The stations will be set up along 50 national highway corridors. Key urban hubs, airports, railway stations, and fuel stations. To facilitate convenient intercity and intracity travel by EV users.
BHEL: Key Features
- Pan-India Coverage: Chargers to be installed in metro cities, tier-2 towns, and rural centers.
- Smart Digital Platform: BHEL will create a single app for real-time availability of chargers. Slot reservations, digital payments, and customer care.
- Green Energy Integration: A number of stations will be powered through renewable energy sources. Aligning with India’s net-zero goals.
- Public-Private Partnership: The scheme incentivizes collaborations with state governments. Private companies, and start-ups for increased reach and efficiency.
Mr. Nalin Shinghal, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL, said, “We are privileged to have been asked to take on this challenge. BHEL’s engineering capabilities and pan-India presence position us uniquely to make this vision a reality. We will strive to set global standards in reliability, safety, and user experience for EV charging.”
Looking Ahead
The installation process is to be initiated in two phases. The first phase is to start in July 2025 and includes 10,000 stations. That will be operational by the end of 2025. BHEL will work with the state nodal agencies. To implement uniform standards, safety measures, and interoperability for all the stations.
Industry experts expect the following outcomes from this program
- Drive the adoption of EVs in all segments of vehicles, ranging from two-wheelers to commercial fleets
- Promote local production of charging gear and supporting technologies
- Support India’s goal of 30% electric vehicle penetration by the year 2030
ELCTRIK Speaks
With BHEL at the forefront, India’s EV charging infrastructure will grow quickly. The PM E-Drive program is not simply a matter of constructing chargers. It is about constructing confidence, convenience, and a greener future for every Indian.
