Search: Nitin Gadkari

India recorded 10,023,396 registered electric vehicles as of July 2026, more than 11 times the FY20 figure, while public charging infrastructure stood at 52,718 stations as of March 2026, according to Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in a Lok Sabha reply. EV penetration rose from 0.71% in FY20 to 8.26% in FY26, but the charging network now serves roughly 190 vehicles per public station. The Centre is backing infrastructure expansion through FAME II and PM E DRIVE schemes.

Why it matters: The 190 to 1 vehicle to charger ratio signals a widening infrastructure gap that CPOs and site hosts must address to sustain India's EV growth trajectory. Procurement teams can expect accelerated tender activity under FAME II and PM E DRIVE as the government seeks to close the charging shortfall.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Busworld India 2026 summit that fossil fuels have no future in India's public transport, urging manufacturers and fleet operators to shift to hydrogen, ethanol, CNG, LNG and electric powertrains. The ministry has launched pilot projects on 10 routes running hydrogen trucks and buses, with Tata Motors, Volvo, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra and Mahindra involved in hydrogen fuel trials. Gadkari cited rising air pollution and India's heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports as key drivers for the transition.

Why it matters: The ministerial statement signals a firm policy direction that will shape procurement specifications and fleet electrification tenders across India's public transport sector. Operators and charging infrastructure providers should prepare for accelerated demand as OEMs pivot away from diesel and petrol platforms in response to government pressure.