The Yogi Adityanath government will set up electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations along four major expressways. The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has prepared a comprehensive action plan in this regard.
In alignment with the state's EV policy and guidelines of the Union Power Ministry, the UPEIDA will come up with 26 EV public charging stations along the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow and Gorakhpur link expressways. Besides, the state government also intends to introduce other passenger facilities along these expressways.
A detailed project plan related to this has already been presented to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority. Prior to this, in the pre-bid meeting, interest was expressed by 11 companies to install public charging stations.
Companies such as Reliance, GMR Energy, Adani Total Energy, Belectric, Light Zip Technology, EV Plugs, Siemens Limited, Cash and Drive, AM&CE E Mobilit, AmpVolts and Razz and Shine have shown interest in setting up public charging stations.
For the 26 charging stations, the Yogi government will provide a 10-year lease on 2,000 square feet area per station. The charging point operator will be required to install fast chargers for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and e-buses.
Additionally, adherence to government safety norms is mandatory. Public charging stations must be operational within 180 days of acquiring the land. After five years of setting up a charging station, the government will receive 5 per cent of the gross revenue of each charging station from the sixth year onwards.
In addition, the state government will also develop roadside amenities along the Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and Gorakhpur Link expressways. They will be developed on the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model.
According to UPEIDA officials, a comprehensive project plan is ready for roadside amenities on all three expressways. This includes parking spaces for cars, buses and trucks, outlets for food and beverages, dhabas, ATMs, free basic medical and first-aid facilities, small repair shops, purified drinking water, restrooms, budget hotels, separate facilities for trucks, warehouses and auto workshops.
Additionally, landscaping, rainwater harvesting and high-mast lights will be installed. Furthermore, in the future, the facility of a banquet hall and wedding hall may also be provided. All these amenities will be provided within the ambit of a single vast complex.
