Patna: Bihar has begun work towards expanding its electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, with 129 charging stations proposed across 23 districts in the first phase. A site survey for the proposed facilities began on August 17, with teams assessing locations for the planned network.
The initiative comes as the state’s electric-vehicle base continues to grow. As of July 2026, Bihar had more than 5.1 lakh registered electric vehicles, according to the figures cited in the report.
BHEL Team to Survey 72 Locations
A team from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), in coordination with the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is conducting surveys from August 17 to 20 at 72 identified locations.
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The first set of locations covers:
- Patna
- Gaya
- Vaishali
- Purnia
- Nalanda
- Chhapra
Officials will examine several parameters before finalising sites, including land availability, technical suitability, power connectivity and accessibility.
Project Linked to PM E-DRIVE
The charging infrastructure expansion is being taken up under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore. The scheme includes a ₹2,000-crore allocation for public EV charging infrastructure.
The Centre’s scheme guidelines provide for public charging infrastructure to be developed through eligible government bodies, state governments and their public-sector entities, with locations selected based on factors including EV density and technical requirements.
Bihar’s EV Numbers
The state’s reported EV fleet includes:
- 3.37 lakh e-rickshaws
- 92,895 electric motorcycles and scooters
- 61,983 passenger three-wheelers
- 4,093 goods three-wheelers
- 3,847 electric cars
- 3,098 mopeds
- 50 electric buses
The proposed network is planned in phases, with a focus on major highways and urban areas.
Officials Review Implementation
A review meeting on the charging-station initiative was held at the Transport Secretary’s office in Patna. Transport Secretary Raj Kumar, Ministry of Heavy Industries Director Amarendra Kishore Singh, BHEL General Manager J.K. Patnaik and other officials attended the meeting.
Raj Kumar said developing charging infrastructure is a priority for electric mobility in Bihar and that the survey would help identify suitable locations.
Officials have also been directed to provide necessary assistance to the BHEL team so that the survey can be completed within the stipulated period.
The development builds on Bihar’s broader efforts to expand public charging access. In July, proposals were also being examined for charging stations in Patna and adjoining urban areas under PM E-DRIVE.
