The Government of Odisha is accelerating its electric mobility push with a comprehensive proposal for 290 new public EV charging stations under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme.
Announced by the State Transport Authority on 3 November 2026, the plan covers 13 major cities and strategic highway corridors, marking a significant step toward a robust EV ecosystem in the state.
Under the direction of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the second-phase proposal targets Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradeep, Badabil, Balpahad, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendujhar (Keonjhar), and Rajgangpur, along with national and state highways. Notably, it includes 68 Wayside Amenity Centres managed by the Tourism Department and six priority locations on the high-priority Paradeep-Badabil industrial corridor and other routes.
This builds on the first phase, where the Central Government approved 170 EV charging stations across seven major cities, with work already underway. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency. Before final sanction, a team led by BHEL General Manager Shri J K Pattanaik will conduct detailed site surveys to confirm feasibility and suitability.
Beyond the central scheme, Odisha is independently establishing more than 500 additional EV charging stations. Twenty-four of these are already operational in Bhubaneswar alone, with further installations planned at Atal Bus Stands, truck terminals, and other key points across the state.
The dual approach—central support under the ₹11,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme (which allocates substantial funds for nationwide public charging infrastructure) combined with state initiatives—aims to dramatically improve charging accessibility. Officials emphasise that the expansion will reduce range anxiety for EV users, support tourism, ease industrial logistics, and encourage broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Odisha’s progressive Electric Vehicle Policy continues to back this infrastructure drive with financial subsidies and incentives for EV buyers, including purchase support and exemptions on road tax and registration fees (recently extended). Together, these measures position the state as an emerging leader in clean mobility.
Once implemented, the 290 stations are expected to create a seamless charging network that connects urban centres, tourist spots, and industrial hubs, strengthening Odisha’s contribution to India’s electric mobility revolution.
