Over half of MCD-allotted EV charging stations remain non-operational: Officials

More than half of the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations allotted under the MCD are yet to become operational due to delays in obtaining approvals from the Public Works Department (PWD), officials said on Wednesday.

According to official data, a total of 1,047 EV charging stations have been allotted across the city, including 185 at the civic body’s parking sites and 809 at roadside locations. However, only over 460 stations have so far been made operational.

The officials said the remaining stations are facing delays primarily because of pending no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the PWD for roadside sites and disruptions caused by anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

“The major hindrance is related to PWD approvals for roadside locations. In several cases, permissions are pending, leading to delays in operationalisation,” a senior official said. The official added that issues related to desired power load availability at certain sites have also contributed to delays, requiring coordination with power distribution companies (discoms).

Meanwhile, senior PWD officials denied knowledge of the pending NOC approvals referred to by the MCD, but said the department has been working on a broader plan to develop integrated EV infrastructure hubs instead of standalone charging points.

“We are not aware of the NOC approvals sent by the MCD. However, for a long time, the PWD has been planning against setting up EV charging units at isolated locations. Instead, the idea is to develop integrated infrastructure hubs where EV charging stations are clustered together along with facilities such as PUC centres, petrol pumps and refreshment areas, so that commuters can access multiple services at one place,” a senior PWD official said.