Goa to Set Up 70 New EV Charging Stations Under PM E-Drive

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced that the state will establish 70 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the PM E-Drive Scheme to strengthen charging infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of clean transportation.

The announcement was made during a review meeting at the Secretariat attended by officials from the Department of New and Renewable Energy, Transport Department, Kadamba Transport Corporation, and other government departments. The meeting focused on fuel management and sustainable mobility initiatives.

The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a scheme offering up to 50% subsidy for licensed motorcycle pilots and auto-rickshaw drivers to purchase electric vehicles. The initiative aims to encourage the transition from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to cleaner electric mobility.

In addition, the Goa government will formulate a policy to gradually replace diesel generator sets used in industrial and commercial establishments with cleaner alternatives, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solar power solutions, and other sustainable energy technologies.

Dr. Sawant also instructed officials to retrofit older diesel buses operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation with CNG engines to reduce emissions and promote environmentally friendly public transportation across the state.

The proposed measures are expected to strengthen Goa's EV ecosystem while supporting the state's broader clean energy and sustainable mobility goals.