Bihar has begun a site survey for 129 EV charging stations across 23 districts, with a BHEL team assessing 72 locations in Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, Purnia, Nalanda and Chhapra from 17 to 20 August. The project is part of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in September 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, of which Rs 2,000 crore is allocated for public EV charging infrastructure. Bihar currently has more than 5.1 lakh electric vehicles on its roads.
Why it matters: The survey marks the start of a major procurement opportunity in Bihar, with 129 stations planned in the first phase and a Rs 2,000 crore national fund backing public charging rollout. CPOs and contractors should track the site assessment outcomes, as the state intends to prioritise highways and urban areas in a phased deployment.