Odisha is preparing for a major expansion of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure as the state government seeks Central approval for 290 additional public charging stations across 13 cities and important highway corridors. The proposal, submitted under the second phase of the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, aims to improve charging accessibility and accelerate electric mobility adoption. The Odisha EV Charging Stations expansion would connect industrial hubs, urban centers, and tourist destinations, helping electric car owners overcome range anxiety while supporting cleaner transportation and the state’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem in the coming years.
What Is Odisha’s New EV Charging Plan?
Odisha has proposed 290 public EV charging stations across 13 cities and highways under PM E-DRIVE. Another 170 stations have already received approval under the first phase, while more than 500 are being developed through separate state initiatives.
13 Cities Identified for Charging Expansion
The second-phase proposal covers Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradip, Barbil, Belpahar, Berhampur, Brajarajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Keonjhar and Rajgangpur.
These locations include industrial and commercial centres where dependable public charging could support private EVs, taxis and fleet operations. The Odisha EV Charging Stations plan also extends beyond city limits to national and state highways.
Highway Charging to Support Longer Journeys
Key locations identified for the proposed network include:
- 68 wayside amenity centers managed by Odisha’s Tourism Department.
- Six additional strategic highway locations.
- Charging sites along the priority Paradip–Barbil industrial corridor.
These facilities could make intercity journeys more convenient, particularly where charging availability remains limited. Actual rollout will depend on approvals and site assessments.
BHEL to Assess Sites Before Approval
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed the project implementation agency for the central initiative. A team led by BHEL General Manager J.K. Pattanaik will undertake feasibility surveys to evaluate the suitability of proposed locations before final sanction.
The proposal follows Centre-approved plans for 170 charging stations across seven cities in phase one, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri. Implementation of those approved sites is underway.
Over 500 More Stations Under State Initiatives
Separately, Odisha is developing more than 500 charging stations through state-led programmes. Of these, 24 are already operational in Bhubaneswar.
The state is targeting major transit hubs, truck terminals and Atal bus stands to improve charging convenience for commuters and commercial vehicle operators.
What It Means for Odisha’s EV Owners
If approved and delivered, the Odisha EV Charging Stations proposal could reduce range anxiety, improve highway connectivity and encourage electric vehicle purchases.
Odisha’s existing EV policy also provides incentives for eligible buyers. Together, charging investment and buyer support could strengthen the state’s transition to cleaner transport.
However, the 290 stations remain proposed, not operational. Final approvals, site feasibility, funding, and implementation schedules will determine when drivers can use them.
For drivers, the key benefit would be more predictable access to public chargers between cities, workplaces and tourism destinations. The Odisha EV charging station expansion could also give businesses greater confidence to electrify daily transport operations over time.
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