In September 2022, Chandigarh Administration, rolled out an ambitious EV policy, with a plan to promote clean and efficient transportation. However, the dream hasn’t shown any significant progress in reality as even after 2 years the residents still haven’t received functional charging stations in the city.
The policy promised a greener future, encouraging residents to switch to electrical vehicles. Even the Chandigarh administration, led by Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, started restricting the registration of petrol & diesel-based vehicles after they reached the set target for electric vehicle registration. This action, however, came under fire when the promised infrastructure remained absent.
Initially, the plan was to set up 100 public charging stations across the city, but even after a year, no charging station was operational. This led to an outrage among the residents who felt that they were “forced” into buying these vehicles by the administration. The higher cost of the EVs and the unavailability of the necessary support system have dampened the enthusiasm among the owners.
Residents complained that the absence of the facilities has pushed them to charge their vehicles either at private charging stations or in their houses. They further agitated that for the lower-earning class who earns only 15000-2000 per month, it is difficult for them to own an Rs1.5 lakh vehicle just because the administration has stopped registration of fuel-based vehicles. After facing the public outcry which included protests by automobile traders and residents, the administration pulled off their target-based registration restriction in November 2023.
Meanwhile, in a recent statement, Administrator Purohit made a promise that planned 53 chagrin stations in 32 locations will be made operational by the end of March. The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science Technology Promotion Society(CREST) is tasked with setting up the charging stations in collaboration with the Municipal Council, Chandigarh.
Rock Garden parking, Lake Club parking, multi-level parking at Sector 17, Sector 22, Sector 23, near the passport office in Sector 34, several locations in Sector 17, and the Japanese garden are a few of the thirty-two key locations planned for the charging stations set-up. However, scaling down the project from the initial figure of 100 to 53 has caused public frustration and has raised concerns about the administration’s working efficiency without proper planning and execution.
While Administrator Purohit’s recent promise is offering a glimpse of hope, the question of uncertainty has taken its toll. The success of Chandigarh’s EV policy hinges on more than just pronouncements, Effective implementation on building the EV efficient landscape and focus on the affordability of the technology are the crucial challenges amongst various others
Building a robust network of functional charging stations should remain the top priority of the administration. The government must also introduce subsidies or tax breaks on EVs, especially for lower-income groups so that the dream of greener Chandigarh, becomes a reality. However, collaborating with private companies can accelerate the development of infrastructure.
Chandigarh’s EV journey serves as a cautionary tale for other cities that are considering similar transitions in the future. A well-intentioned policy can only be successful with meticulous planning, a robust infrastructure, and a focus on affordability.
