The railways have proposed a policy under which it plans to replace its entire fleet of vehicles that run on diesel, biofuels, or even natural gas with electric vehicles by December 2025, providing a significant boost to the Centre’s ambitious plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030. A massive charging infrastructure would be built at major railway stations, office buildings, and parking lots under the policy. To meet the global standard, India must install 46,000 EV charging stations by 2030.
According to the railways’ proposed timeline for the zones, the goal is to install EV charging stations and phase out 20% of its fleet by December 2023, 60% by 2024, and 100% by 2025.
The replacement of inspection vehicles in divisional offices and attached units would not be mandatory during the first three years because officials would need the vehicles for frequent visits to remote areas where adequate charging infrastructure may not be available.
Railways to build charging infrastructure
The railways will also build an affordable and accessible charging infrastructure for its users, including passengers, visitors, and the general public, on its premises. The general managers of the zonal railways have been asked to advise their officers to identify and demarcate parking spaces in office complexes and station premises for the installation of EV-charging facilities.
CPOs would be invited to set up EV charging stations at these locations. There will be a parking fee for using the charging infrastructure, as determined by the railways. The CPOs would provide access to all compatible EV owners and would provide a mobile application for EV users to locate and book chargers as well as pay for services digitally.
The chargers would be installed in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority’s or other competent agencies’ and departments’ safety guidelines.
