PM E-Drive Scheme Targets 72,000 EV Charging Stations Across India; BHEL Likely To Anchor Demand Aggregation, App

The central government will support deployment of 72,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country under the PM E-Drive scheme.

These stations will be strategically deployed along 50 national highway corridors, within high-traffic destinations such as metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets, and state highways, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) said in a statement on Wednesday (21 May).

The PM E-Drive scheme aims to build a nationwide EV-ready ecosystem to enable cleaner transport and reduce India’s dependency on fossil fuels.

On Wednesday, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy chaired a inter-ministerial coordination meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and Ministry of Heavy Industries to review and accelerate the implementation of EV charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive scheme.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on the path to becoming a global model for sustainable transport. The PM E-Drive scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at giving our citizens access to clean, affordable, and convenient mobility options. We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the foundation for energy security and green economic growth," Kumaraswamy said.

The minister also acknowledged the integrated role of various stakeholders in the execution of this initiative.

According to the ministry, BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) is being considered as the nodal agency for demand aggregation and for the development of a unified digital super app that will serve as a single platform for EV users across India.

The app will feature real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability status, and progress dashboards for tracking national deployment under the PM E-Drive scheme.

BHEL will also coordinate with states and ministries to compile and evaluate proposals for charger installations.

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