Bhalla says will step up efforts to make India suitable for electric vehicles

Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla said Thursday that efforts would be made to set up charging stations every 3 km in select cities and highways with a view to promote and popularise electric vehicles.

While addressing a curtain-raiser press conference of the first Global Mobility Summit 'MOVE' beginning tomorrow, Bhalla said that electric vehicles will become popular only after charging infrastructure is put in place.

"To establish charging infrastructure, we are looking at certain select cities and certain select highways where we should provide charging infrastructure.

"Density has been proposed for 3/3 square km, we should have one charger for the public charging system, which is fast chargers," the power secretary said.

Initially, Bhalla said the charging infrastructure is proposed to be supported by the government.

He pointed out that setting up of charging infrastructure does not require a license under the electricity act and as a promotional measure, the union government has acquired some electrical vehicles which are used by its officials.

Speaking at the same press conference, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways secretary Yudhvir Singh Malik said, "We have made it mandatory across all new national highways that the wayside amenities, for which we are acquiring five to 10 acres of land, will have the provision of charging infrastructure."

Malik also said that optimal utilization of road space, along with giving priority to road safety is how we envision the Future of Mobility in India.

Electronics and IT Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney said cybersecurity & development of intelligent transportation systems will be key components for electrically led mobility in India.