UP asks departments to identify land for public EV charging stations under PM e-Drive scheme

Lucknow, Jul 14 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary S P Goyal on Tuesday directed all government departments and authorities to identify suitable land under their control for setting up public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the Centre's PM e-Drive scheme. The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by the chief secretary to review availability of land for establishment of public EV charging infrastructure across the state, according to an official statement. Goyal said the PM e-Drive scheme was an important initiative to strengthen clean, green and sustainable transportation in Uttar Pradesh. "Modern public EV charging infrastructure should be developed expeditiously through coordinated efforts of all departments and authorities so that the use of electric vehicles is promoted, and citizens get better and easily accessible charging facilities," he said. The chief secretary directed all departments and authorities to survey office premises, vacant land and other suitable public locations under their control and identify sites for EV charging stations. He said details of the identified sites should be shared with Uttar Pradesh Renewable and EV Infrastructure Limited (UPREV) in the prescribed format. According to the statement, the identified locations may include government office campuses, parking areas managed by urban local bodies, industrial areas, logistics parks, land available with development authorities and suitable sites along state highways and expressways. Goyal also directed that nodal officers be appointed at the state and district levels to ensure effective implementation of the scheme and better coordination among departments. "Land identified for EV charging stations should be made available on priority," he said. The chief secretary instructed departments to provide the name and complete address of each proposed site along with photographs, latitude and longitude coordinates, and details of the available land area. He also asked departments and authorities to identify additional suitable locations under their jurisdiction to facilitate expansion of the state's public EV charging network. Officials informed the meeting that around 400-600 square feet of land would be suitable for EV charging stations in urban areas, while around 3,000 square feet would be required along state highways and expressway corridors. According to the statement, expansion of the public EV charging network is expected to encourage greater adoption of electric vehicles, reduce pollution and promote clean and sustainable transport in the state. Senior officials of the departments concerned attended the meeting. PTI KIS PRK