Date: September 29, 2023. — The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced its plan to set up 350 public electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the city, in a bid to promote e-mobility and reduce air pollution. The decision was made during an NDMC Council Meeting. The civic body also discussed the recruitment rules for various posts.
The proposed charging points will be strategically located at key locations throughout Delhi. This includes popular commercial districts, residential areas, and transportation hubs to ensure convenient access for EV owners. The installation will begin in the coming months and aims to complete within the next two years.
The NDMC, under the leadership of Vice-Chairman Satish Upadhyay, has taken a significant step. They approved the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three public sector undertakings (PSUs): HLL Infra Tech Services Ltd., Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL), and Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON). These MoUs are pivotal for the establishment of a robust public EV charging infrastructure as part of the National Electric Mobility Program. The initial phase of this endeavor involves assigning specific quantities and locations for the installation of public EV charging stations to these PSUs. The NDMC determines further allocations based on the performance metrics delivered by the PSUs.
Furthermore, the NDMC has also given the green light to collaborate with these PSUs. They aim to promote electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, within the NDMC area. This initiative builds upon the existing foundation of 100 public EV charging stations already operational in the NDMC vicinity. It demonstrates a proactive approach towards sustainable transportation solutions.
NDMC member Kuljeet Singh Chahal stated that the PSUs will fully cover the costs of installing, operating, and maintaining EV charging stations. Furthermore, NDMC will contribute by providing space, electricity connections, and project clearances. Additionally, Chahal emphasized that outdoor advertising on public EV charging stations will generate extra revenue. There will be a revenue-sharing arrangement between NDMC and the PSUs in a 60:40 ratio. In this collaborative effort, NDMC will offer space, electricity connections, and clearances to the PSUs for the EV charging infrastructure. The PSUs will pay a land rental fee of Rs.1 per unit of energy consumed for vehicle charging to NDMC, in addition to covering the electricity bills.
People expect the move to enhance electric vehicle adoption in the city. This city has seen a surge of 86% in EV registrations in 2023. The Delhi government has also launched several incentives and schemes to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. These include subsidies, road tax exemption, scrapping benefits, and interest-free loans.
Delhi has been grappling with severe air quality issues in recent years. The adoption of electric vehicles is seen as a key measure to combat pollution. The availability of a robust charging infrastructure is pivotal in encouraging citizens to make the switch to electric mobility.
This ambitious initiative by the NDMC is expected to have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also aims to improve air quality in the nation’s capital. Moreover, as Delhi takes strides towards a greener and more sustainable future, the installation of 350 public EV charging points is a notable milestone in the journey towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
