Chandigarh's Green Mobility Drive Hits Roadblock as Approval Delays Stall EV Charging Expansion
In a significant setback to Chandigarh's ambitions of becoming a model sustainable city, the installation of 15 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has been stalled for three months, awaiting crucial approval from the Municipal Corporation (MC). This delay comes despite the city's rapid adoption of electric mobility and its recognition as a national leader in EV infrastructure.
CREST's Expansion Plans Await MC Nod
The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), the agency spearheading the city's EV initiatives, has been in a holding pattern since December 3 last year. On that date, CREST formally wrote to the MC seeking final approval for 15 new sites identified for charging stations, following a collaborative survey. A reminder sent on February 18, 2026, has yet to yield a response, leaving the projects in limbo.
Officials from CREST expressed frustration over the bureaucratic delay, emphasizing that the expansion is critical to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles in the city. The survey, conducted in partnership with the MC, also pinpointed six alternative sites to replace three previously approved locations that were deemed unsuitable by the MC and the Engineering Department.
Chandigarh's EV Leadership and Infrastructure
Chandigarh has emerged as a frontrunner in India's electric vehicle revolution, driven by its progressive Electric Vehicle Policy of 2022. The administration has incentivized the shift to clean transportation through financial benefits, including waivers on road tax and registration fees, alongside streamlined digital processes. To date, Rs 36.69 crore has been disbursed to 5,980 beneficiaries as EV incentives, and an additional Rs 1.95 crore has been granted to 39 beneficiaries for charging station setups.
Under the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) initiative, CREST has already established a robust network, with EV charging stations at 36 locations and 16 battery swapping stations across the city. Of these, 32 locations feature fast chargers, enhancing convenience for users. The infrastructure has proven financially viable, generating nearly Rs 1 crore in revenue from May 2024 to November 2025, with lease rent earnings of approximately Rs 25.95 lakh, partially deposited with the MC.
Awards and Recognition Amidst Delays
Despite the current approval hurdles, Chandigarh's efforts in promoting electric mobility have not gone unnoticed. CREST was recently honored with the Most EV-Ready City — Policy & Infrastructure Leadership Award at the second National Mobility Awards Summit 2026 in Hyderabad. This accolade follows the Gold Award for Best Union Territory for EV – Overall at the Motoring World Green Mobility Awards-2025 in Delhi, underscoring the city's commitment to sustainable development.
CREST has been instrumental in implementing the EV policy, accelerating adoption across various segments, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. So far, nearly 21,000 electric vehicles have been registered in Chandigarh, positioning it among the top cities in the country for EV penetration.
Broader Implications for Sustainability Goals
The delay in approving new charging stations poses a challenge to Chandigarh's broader environmental objectives. The UT Administration aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 1.26 crore tonnes by 2030, a target heavily reliant on expanding EV infrastructure to encourage more residents and businesses to transition away from fossil fuels.
As the city continues to strive for sustainability, the pending MC approval represents a critical bottleneck. Stakeholders are hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure that Chandigarh can maintain its momentum in the national shift towards clean, electric mobility and achieve its ambitious green targets.
