EV Chargers to be Mandatory at Fuel Stations on MSRTC Land

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed officials to make electric vehicle (EV) charging stations mandatory at fuel pumps proposed on Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) land, as per PTI reports.  

The instruction was given during a meeting attended by senior MSRTC officials and representatives of fuel marketing companies, according to an official release. 

The requirement will apply to fuel outlets developed on MSRTC premises through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, where EV charging points will be installed along with diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities. 

Electric Buses to Be Included in Procurement 

Sarnaik said nearly 90% of MSRTC’s current bus fleet runs on diesel. He stated that a phased transition to electric buses has already started and that electric buses will be prioritised in future procurement plans.  

He added that future transport systems are expected to rely more on electric power and that supporting infrastructure needs to be developed in advance. 

Single-site Access to Fuel and Charging 

Under the proposed framework, fuel pumps on MSRTC land will provide both conventional fuels and EV charging at the same locations. Sarnaik said this would ensure access to multiple energy options for vehicles using these facilities.  

He also said the PPP model for fuel pumps and charging infrastructure could generate revenue for MSRTC through partnerships with private operators. 

Infrastructure Planning for Long-term Transport Needs 

The minister said the corporation is working on infrastructure to support the gradual introduction of electric buses and other electric vehicles.  

He added that the availability of charging infrastructure would be necessary as the share of electric vehicles increases alongside diesel and CNG vehicles. 

Read More: RoadGrid Secures Funding to Fuel India’s 100 Million Electric Vehicle Ambition! 

Conclusion 

The mandate to include EV charging stations at fuel pumps on MSRTC land outlines a change in how transport infrastructure will be developed in Maharashtra. With diesel buses still forming the majority of the fleet, the directive sets out a phased approach to adding electric buses and charging facilities under the PPP model while retaining conventional fuel infrastructure. 

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