Uttarakhand Sets Up 38 EV Charging Stations, In A Bid To Promote Eco-Friendly Char Dham

In a bid to maintain environmental balance in the hills of Uttarakhand, the state government has announced plans to establish 38 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the Char Dham pilgrimage route this year, says a report by Express Drives. 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that of these charging stations, 28 will be operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Department, while THDC (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited) will manage the remaining 10 facilities.

Green Pilgrimage Initiative

The Uttarakhand government has already installed charging infrastructure at 25 locations, primarily situated at the beginning of the pilgrimage route. These stations form part of the state's broader "Green Yatra" theme for this year's pilgrimage season.

Each charging station features universal 60 kW capacity chargers equipped with two 30 kW charging guns. The majority of these stations have been established on properties owned by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).

"In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this year the target has been set to organise the Char Dham Yatra as a green journey," CM Dhami was quoted as saying. 

"As part of this initiative, 38 EV charging stations are being developed in collaboration with the Transport Department (28 stations) and THDC (10 stations)," he said.

GMVN Managing Director Vishal Mishra said, "E-charging stations have been established at key halts along the route to promote a Green Char Dham Yatra and encourage travellers to opt for electric vehicles."

In Rudraprayag district, the tourism department has installed charging facilities at four GMVN guest houses.

The Char Dham Yatra, which is currently underway, will continue until November, with the exact concluding date to be determined based on weather conditions.