Odisha proposes 290 new EV charging stations under PM E-DRIVE scheme
The state government aims to expand electric vehicle infrastructure across 13 cities and various highway corridors.
The Government of Odisha has proposed the installation of 290 new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the central PM E-DRIVE scheme, according to Pragativadi. Announced by the State Transport Authority on 3 November 2026, the proposal covers 13 major cities and strategic highway corridors.
Under the direction of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the second-phase plan targets Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradeep, Badabil, Balpahad, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendujhar, and Rajgangpur. The proposal also includes national and state highways, featuring 68 Wayside Amenity Centres managed by the Tourism Department and six priority locations on the Paradeep-Badabil industrial corridor.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency. Before final sanction, a team led by BHEL General Manager J K Pattanaik will conduct detailed site surveys to confirm the suitability of the locations.
This follows a first phase where the Central Government approved 170 EV charging stations across seven major cities in the state. Separately, the state is establishing more than 500 additional EV charging stations, with 24 already operational in Bhubaneswar.
The state's Electric Vehicle Policy provides financial subsidies and incentives, including purchase support and exemptions on road tax and registration fees. The expansion aims to reduce range anxiety for users and support industrial logistics and tourism.