India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced plans to install 5,833 new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along the country’s highways as part of a larger goal to establish 7,432 public fast-charging outlets across the nation.

In detail, the project will be completed by three state-owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): Indian Oil (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL). These companies fall under the purview of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Maharashtra, home to India’s financial capital Mumbai, is set to receive the highest number of new charging stations with 649 locations. The southern state of Tamil Nadu follows closely, also aiming for 649 stations, while Uttar Pradesh in the north will see 525 new public fast-charging points installed.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that India currently has 5,293 EV charging stations along its national highways. The government has provided a capital subsidy of 800 crore rupees (around $96 million) to the three OMCs for the establishment of 7,432 EV charging stations.

Notably, this expansion arrives as part of India’s push towards electric mobility. The country recently introduced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024, a four-month initiative running from April 1 to July 31, with an outlay of 500 crore rupees ($60 million). As a result, the initiative aims to provide further momentum to the development of the EV manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Private companies are also contributing to the charging infrastructure growth. For instance, ChargeZone has set a target to cover 150,000 km (over 93,000 miles) of highways and install 1,000 charging stations on key routes, with plans for high-power chargers ranging from 360 to 1,200 kW capacity.

As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s push towards electric mobility represents a major step in the global EV industry and showcases the country’s potential for a market that can compete with the best of the best.

With the government’s focus on EV infrastructure aligns with its broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation, India’s investment in its EV ecosystem will position itself as a key player in the global transition to electric mobility.

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