Goa is taking another significant step toward sustainable transportation as the state government has announced plans for Goa to establish 70 new EV charging stations under the Central Government’s PM E-Drive Scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen electric vehicle infrastructure, encourage EV adoption, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting India’s clean energy transition.
The announcement was made by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat. Officials from the Department of New and Renewable Energy (DNRE), Transport Department, Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), and other government departments participated in discussions focused on fuel management and sustainable mobility.
Goa to Establish 70 New EV Charging Stations to Expand Charging Infrastructure
The decision to go to Goa to establish 70 new EV charging stations is expected to significantly improve charging accessibility across the state. A stronger charging network will help reduce range anxiety among EV users and encourage more residents, tourists, and commercial vehicle operators to switch to electric mobility.
The Department of New and Renewable Energy will oversee the implementation of the project as part of Goa’s broader strategy to build a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
50% EV Purchase Subsidy Proposed for Commercial Drivers
Alongside the charging infrastructure expansion, the state government is preparing a new subsidy scheme aimed at accelerating EV adoption among commercial transport operators.
Under the proposed policy, licensed motorcycle pilots and auto-rickshaw drivers will be eligible for up to a 50% subsidy on the purchase of electric vehicles. This financial support is expected to reduce the cost of EV ownership and encourage thousands of drivers to transition from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to cleaner electric alternatives.
Diesel Generators to Be Replaced with Cleaner Energy Solutions
The Goa government also plans to introduce a new policy that will gradually phase out diesel generator sets used in industrial and commercial establishments.
Instead of diesel-powered generators, businesses will be encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives such as:
- Solar power systems
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Gas-based energy solutions
- Other sustainable clean-energy technologies
This move is expected to reduce carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency across the state.
Older KTC Diesel Buses to Be Retrofitted with CNG Engines
To further reduce pollution from public transportation, Chief Minister Dr. Sawant directed officials to retrofit approximately 10-year-old diesel buses operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation with CNG engines.
Converting older buses to compressed natural gas will help lower harmful emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and support Goa’s long-term environmental sustainability goals while extending the operational life of public transport vehicles.
Partnership with IOCL to Improve EV Convenience
As part of its green mobility roadmap, Goa is partnering with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to establish advanced battery swapping facilities and EV charging stations across key cities, including:
- Panjim
- Mapusa
- Margao
- Vasco
These modern facilities will also include public amenities such as toilets and changing rooms without creating an additional financial burden on the state government.
What Is the PM E-Drive Scheme?
The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to accelerate electric mobility across India.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹2,000 crore specifically allocated for developing a nationwide network of approximately 72,300 public EV charging stations. The objective is to strengthen charging infrastructure, reduce range anxiety, promote EV adoption, and decrease the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Goa’s Green Mobility Vision Gains Momentum
The decision for Goa to establish 70 new EV charging stations represents a major milestone in the state’s clean transportation strategy. Combined with EV purchase subsidies, cleaner public transport, battery swapping infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives, Goa is creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports sustainable mobility.
As Goa’s effort moves forward to establish 70 new EV charging stations under the PM E-Drive Scheme moves forward, the state is expected to become one of India’s leading examples of integrated electric mobility and environmentally responsible urban transport.
Related Articles:
