In Tumakuru, four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed last year remain non-operational as Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has yet to provide a power connection. Located near Horapete and Kyathsandra, each of the two centres houses two charging machines, totalling four units. Despite being set up to boost EV adoption, the stations have gathered dust due to the delay.
Failed promises and frustrated residents
Local residents and EV owners have expressed disappointment over the prolonged inactivity. Many had hoped the stations would ease range anxiety and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles. However, the lack of power supply has rendered the infrastructure useless. A resident of Kyathsandra stated, "We were excited when the stations were installed, but now they are just monuments to bureaucratic inefficiency."
BESCOM's response and challenges
BESCOM officials claim the delay stems from technical issues and administrative hurdles. They assured that the connection process is underway and will be completed soon. However, no specific timeline has been provided. The utility has faced criticism for its slow response in expanding EV infrastructure across Karnataka.
Impact on EV adoption
The idle stations highlight a broader challenge in India's transition to electric mobility. While the government promotes EV adoption through subsidies and policies, ground-level implementation often lags. In Tumakuru, the lack of functional charging points discourages potential EV buyers, undermining state and national clean energy targets. Environmental activists have called for faster action, noting that every month of delay contributes to continued fossil fuel dependence.
As of now, EV owners in Tumakuru must rely on home charging or travel to nearby cities for public charging. The situation underscores the need for better coordination between local bodies, power utilities, and private players to ensure that infrastructure projects reach completion without unnecessary delays.
