Chandigarh is steadily moving toward a cleaner and more sustainable future, but a crucial step in this journey is currently on hold. The headline “Chandigarh Awaits Approval for 15 New EV Charging Stations” reflects a significant delay that could impact the city’s electric mobility momentum.
Growing EV Demand in Chandigarh
Over the past few years, Chandigarh has emerged as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. With more than 21,000 registered EVs already on the roads, the demand for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is rapidly increasing. Recognized as the Most EV-Ready City at the National Mobility Awards 2026, the city has demonstrated a strong commitment to clean transportation.
However, the rising number of EVs has also highlighted a pressing need for more charging stations to support this growth.
Current EV Infrastructure Status
The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) has been at the forefront of developing EV infrastructure. As of now:
- 36 EV charging stations are operational
- 16 battery swapping stations are in place
- 32 stations are equipped with fast chargers
Previously, 39 locations were approved, but only 36 could be developed due to site constraints. This led authorities to identify new suitable locations.
Expansion Plan Facing Delays
The key issue remains that “Chandigarh Awaits Approval for 15 New EV Charging Stations” for over three months. CREST had submitted a proposal to the Municipal Corporation on December 3, 2025, after conducting a joint survey.
- 15 new locations were shortlisted
- 6 alternative sites were also identified
- Approval is still pending from the Municipal Corporation
This delay is slowing down the expansion of Chandigarh’s EV ecosystem, despite the growing urgency
Sustainability Goals and Future Vision
Chandigarh aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 1.26 crore tonnes by 2030. Expanding EV infrastructure is a critical part of this plan. The upcoming charging stations are expected to follow an OPEX (Operational Expenditure) model, encouraging private sector participation.
Additionally, CREST is planning to integrate solar power into these charging stations, leveraging the city’s rooftop solar capacity to move closer to net-zero emissions.
Policy and Approval Challenges
While infrastructure expansion is underway, policy-level approvals are also causing delays. Apart from the charging stations, an enhanced EV subsidy plan is still awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This reinforces the ongoing situation where “Chandigarh Awaits Approval for 15 New EV Charging Stations”, affecting both infrastructure growth and policy implementation.
Conclusion
The phrase “Chandigarh Awaits Approval for 15 New EV Charging Stations” highlights a critical bottleneck in the city’s EV journey. While Chandigarh has made impressive progress, timely approvals and faster decision-making will be essential to sustain its leadership in electric mobility and achieve its ambitious sustainability targets.
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