Bengaluru: In a significant advancement for Karnataka's electric mobility ambitions, the central government on Tuesday approved the state's proposal to establish 1,243 EV-charging stations under the PM E-Drive scheme. This approval paves the way for a large-scale expansion of charging infrastructure across the state.
Approval and Background
The approval comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for wider adoption of battery-operated vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and cut foreign exchange outflow. Karnataka had submitted its proposal nearly six months ago, seeking support to roll out 1,250 high-capacity charging stations.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy announced the approval at a conference on “Enabling nationwide EV-charging infrastructure under PM E-Drive scheme” in Bengaluru. He stated that Karnataka is rapidly becoming a frontrunner in India's EV transition, and “Bengaluru has emerged as the country's leading EV-charging hub by aggressively pursuing the concept.”
Project Cost and Funding
According to state government sources, the overall project is estimated to cost Rs 777 crore. Of this, the Centre is expected to contribute Rs 352 crore, while the remaining amount will be borne by electricity supply companies (Escoms). The Times of India first reported about Karnataka's proposal on October 21, 2025.
Phase 1 Implementation
Officials stated that under the first phase of the PM E-Drive scheme, 406 high-capacity charging stations will be set up at strategic locations, particularly along national highways, to support long-distance EV travel. The scheme offers a 100% subsidy for upstream infrastructure such as transformers, transmission lines, and conductors, along with a 70% subsidy for other equipment.
Support for Commercial Vehicles
The initiative also aims to strengthen Karnataka's EV ecosystem beyond private vehicles by supporting electric buses and trucks. Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), the nodal agency for implementing the charging network, has proposed high-capacity stations to facilitate this shift towards cleaner commercial mobility.
“Each of these stations supports fast charging ranging from 60 kW to 240 kW, which is sufficient to recharge heavy vehicles in 30 to 45 minutes for long-distance operations. Besides, these charging points will help EV owners overcome range anxiety while travelling on major highways, as these stations are likely to come up in and around fuel stations,” an energy department official explained.
