Electric charging facility now available at ST bus stations

In a significant push toward sustainable transport, the Maharashtra government has begun installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at State Transport (ST) bus depots under its newly launched Electric Vehicle Policy. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly public transport and promote green energy usage across the state.

As part of the plan, charging infrastructure is being developed at 196 ST bus stations, with work already completed at 78 locations. According to the Transport Department, an investment of ₹236.71 crore has been made to set up these facilities, with the goal of completing the rollout by April 2025.

A comprehensive inspection of 251 depots and 565 bus stations was conducted, identifying 196 suitable sites for EV charging infrastructure. The selected stations span major regions, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, ensuring wide geographic coverage and enhanced connectivity for electric buses.

The final phase of the project—which covers the remaining 118 bus stations—is currently underway.

To support this ambitious transition, the state government has sanctioned a total of ₹385 crore for the project. This includes ₹300 crore allocated in the 2023–24 fiscal year, and an additional ₹85 crore for 2024–25.

The project is being implemented in partnership with private companies, and every depot and bus station will be equipped with at least one fast-charging station, as per government directives.

This initiative marks a pivotal step in Maharashtra’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and adopt cleaner transportation alternatives. With increased focus on infrastructure development, the state is positioning itself as a leader in EV integration within public transport systems.

Officials state that the new facilities will not only improve the operational efficiency of electric buses but also contribute significantly to the state’s long-term environmental goals.