In a surprising policy shift, the Karnataka state government has decided to scrap its earlier plan to install 2,500 electric vehicle charging stations across the state. The decision marks a significant change in direction from previous EV infrastructure development goals.
The initiative, originally launched under the previous administration, aimed to boost public EV adoption by expanding the state’s charging network. However, the current government has opted to review and revise the proposal, citing the need for a more sustainable and better-aligned approach to actual EV demand.
Officials from the Karnataka Energy Department clarified that the plan was dropped due to low response from vendors and lack of feasibility at proposed locations. Additionally, issues related to land availability and financial viability played a role in reevaluating the scale of the project.
Karnataka’s new EV policy, currently under formulation, is expected to prioritize high-demand urban zones and private sector participation in building EV infrastructure. The state is also looking to partner with energy companies and startups to create a more flexible, data-driven rollout.
Despite dropping the large-scale station plan, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting EV adoption. Future strategies may include incentives for home and workplace charging solutions, as well as pilot projects in smart cities and industrial hubs.
As one of the earliest EV policy adopters in India, Karnataka remains a key player in the country’s electrification journey. The revised strategy reflects a shift toward efficiency, targeted investment, and stakeholder collaboration rather than broad, state-led infrastructure spending.
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