With the rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) on city roads, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)is set to roll out a network of public charging stations (PCS) to support the transition. In the first phase, 11 locations across the city have been identified for setting up these facilities under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The initiative aligns with the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021, which mandates urban local bodies to develop EV charging infrastructure within their jurisdictions. Rajendra Rathod, Executive Engineer, Electric Department, NMC, confirmed that the shift towards EVs is already evident in increasing sales figures. The government’s push for sustainable mobility aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, addressing concerns over climate change and urban pollution.
Charging Infrastructure to Facilitate EV Growth
Recognizing the growing demand, NMC plans to bridge the charging gap by strategically installing stations in high-traffic areas. These locations include public parking spaces and commercial hubs where vehicles are parked for extended periods, making them convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles. The PCS will primarily operate during the day, but operators will have the flexibility to extend hours based on demand and available infrastructure.
Rathod noted that although EV usage is currently low, the city’s long-term vision spans the next decade, with expectations that nearly every second vehicle on the road could be electric by then. This move aligns with India’s net-zero emissions goal for 2070, as outlined during the COP26 Climate Summit, and the interim target of a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
Planned Locations for Charging Stations
The first phase of the EV charging infrastructure rollout will see installations at:
- Jaitala Bazaar Square (Orange Street) – 4 slots
- Rahate Colony Square (Near PKV Land) – 4 slots
- Dayanand Park – 2 slots
- Police Motor Transport Section, Katol Road – 2 slots
- Parking Area near Yashwant Stadium – 4 slots
- Wadi Naka, Amravati Road – 4 slots
- Futala Lake, near Police Outpost – 4 slots
- Budhwari Bazaar, Sakkardara (near Water Tank) – 4 slots
- Shanti Nagar Main Road – 2 slots
- Mangalwari Complex, behind Anjuman College – 4 slots
- Central Bazaar Road, New Ramdaspeth (opposite Tuli Imperial Hotel) – 4 slots
EV Adoption and India’s Global Commitment
To encourage adoption, rental charges for the charging sites have been fixed, with bidders expected to factor in costs before setting consumer tariffs. The initiative also supports India’s commitment to the EV30@30 global pledge, which aims for 30% electric vehicle market share by 2030.
While two-wheelers dominate the EV market, the four-wheeler segment is steadily growing, and public transport has already begun large-scale electrification. With government backing and increased EV adoption, NMC expects the PCS network to become self-sustainable in the coming years, marking a significant step towards a greener, low-carbon future for Nagpur.
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