₹689 crore approved for EV charging network under PM E-DRIVE, but no funds spent yet

The Centre had approved ₹688.84 crore for setting up 6,562 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, but no expenditure has been incurred so far, according to a written reply tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for the development of public EV charging infrastructure. Of this, proposals worth ₹688.84 crore have been sanctioned, while utilisation remains nil.

The data suggests that while approvals have been granted under the new scheme, implementation is yet to begin.

The reply also provides an update on the government's earlier FAME-II programme. Under the scheme, ₹912.50 crore was allocated to support the installation of 9,332 public EV charging stations (EVPCS) across the country, including along highways. The government has utilised ₹898.37 crore under the scheme.

Sources in the Government said expenditure under the PM E-DRIVE scheme is expected to gather pace in the coming months as the implementation process moves forward.

"The pace of expenditure under PM E-DRIVE is likely to be faster than anticipated. We are coordinating closely with implementing agencies and other stakeholders to expedite the installation of public EV charging stations across the country," the sources said.