Delays Mar Launch of Delhi EV Charging Stations

Many electric vehicle charging stations in Delhi await operational status due to delayed approvals from the Public Works Department, affecting the city's EV infrastructure expansion. Current issues include pending no-objection certificates and power supply challenges, alongside plans to integrate these stations into larger infrastructure hubs.

More than half of the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Delhi, allocated by the municipal corporation, remain inactive due to delayed approvals from the Public Works Department (PWD). Officials report that out of 1,047 designated charging sites, only around 460 are currently operational.

The primary obstacle seems to stem from pending no-objection certificates required for roadside station placements. Additionally, anti-pollution measures and power availability issues have further hindered progress, necessitating greater cooperation with power distribution companies.

In response, the PWD indicates unfamiliarity with pending approvals but expresses strategic intentions to establish integrated EV infrastructure hubs instead of isolated stations. These hubs aim to offer added services like pollution control and refreshment options.

Working towards resolving the bottleneck, the municipal body has actively sought cooperation from PWD through written communications and e-Office portal submissions, aiming to secure necessary permissions for additional station placements. The draft Delhi EV Policy 2026 pushes for equipping all new infrastructure projects with EV charging capabilities, urging civic and land-owning agencies to periodically earmark land for such developments.