Bhubaneswar, July 25: In a major boost to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Odisha, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has sanctioned ₹40.50 crore to the state government for the development of public EV charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive Scheme.

The approved grant of ₹40,50,75,740 will be used to establish a network of public EV charging stations across the state, making electric mobility more accessible and supporting Odisha's transition towards cleaner and sustainable transportation.

The State Transport Authority (STA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the PM E-Drive Scheme in Odisha. The funding was approved after the Ministry of Heavy Industries cleared the proposal submitted by the STA seeking financial assistance for the project.

In the first phase of implementation, 170 public EV charging stations equipped with 688 charging points will be set up across six cities in Odisha. Additionally, four battery-swapping stations will be established to provide quicker charging alternatives for compatible electric vehicles.

To ensure maximum accessibility, the charging stations will be installed at strategically identified public locations, including government office premises, major highways, parking areas, railway stations, hospitals, educational institutions, police establishments, and other key public spaces.

The funding comes at a time when Odisha is witnessing rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption. According to official data, the state recorded the highest EV sales in the country during June, reflecting increasing public acceptance of clean mobility solutions driven by environmental concerns, fuel savings, and supportive government policies.

Officials believe the expanded charging infrastructure will address one of the biggest challenges facing EV users—charging accessibility—and further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across Odisha while contributing to reduced carbon emissions and sustainable urban transport.