On 21st May, 2025, Union Minister for Heavy Industries Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy chaired an inter-ministerial coordination meeting to accelerate the implementation of the PM E-Drive scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at building a nationwide EV-ready ecosystem. Launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this scheme is set to revolutionize sustainable transport in India.
Overview of the PM E-Drive Scheme
A Step Towards Green Mobility
The PM E-Drive scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹2,000 crore, aims to establish approximately 72,000 public EV charging stations across India. These stations will be strategically located along 50 national highway corridors, in metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel outlets, and state highways. This extensive network will enhance accessibility to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, reducing India’s dependency on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner transport.
Role of BHEL and Digital Innovation
Unified EV Super App
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is being considered as the nodal agency for demand aggregation and the development of a unified digital super app. This app will serve as a single platform for EV users, offering features such as real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability status, and progress dashboards to track the nationwide deployment of charging stations. BHEL will also coordinate with states and ministries to evaluate proposals for charger installations, ensuring a streamlined rollout.
Ministerial Coordination and Vision
Collaborative Federalism
The meeting, held on 21st May, 2025, involved senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and Ministry of Heavy Industries. Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy emphasized the importance of collaborative federalism, stating, “The clean energy transition cannot succeed in silos. This meeting reflects our commitment to working as one government.” The initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering energy security and green economic growth.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | 21st May, 2025 |
| Scheme | PM E-Drive |
| Financial Outlay | ₹2,000 crore |
| Charging Stations | 72,000 across highways, cities, airports |
| Nodal Agency | BHEL (proposed) |
Impact on India’s Sustainable Future
Driving Green Growth
The PM E-Drive scheme is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector, promote Make in India manufacturing in EV infrastructure, and create green jobs. By establishing a robust EV charging network, the scheme will lay the foundation for a net-zero mobility future, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable transport.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, the PM E-Drive scheme is a vital topic under renewable energy, sustainable development, and current affairs. Aspirants should focus on:
- The role of the PM E-Drive scheme in promoting electric mobility.
- The significance of BHEL as a nodal agency and the unified EV super app.
- The impact of EV infrastructure on carbon emissions and green jobs.
- The concept of collaborative federalism in implementing national schemes.
This initiative highlights India’s commitment to clean energy and infrastructure development, key areas in competitive exams.
Key Highlights
- PM E-Drive scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for 72,000 EV charging stations across India.
- Meeting chaired by Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy on 21st May, 2025 to fast-track implementation.
- BHEL proposed as nodal agency for a unified EV super app with real-time features.
- Charging stations to cover 50 national highways, metro cities, and airports.
- Relevant for competitive exams under sustainable transport, renewable energy, and current affairs.