Bengaluru Airport to Host Indias First EV Charging Hub for Airside Operations
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is set to host India’s first dedicated EV charging hub for airside operations in a significant step towards green aviation and sustainable airport infrastructure. The initiative marks a landmark development not only in India’s EV ecosystem but also in its aviation sector, where sustainability is rapidly becoming a priority.
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the entity that owns and operates the airport, has awarded the contract for this project to Servotech Renewable, a leading Indian electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider. Under the terms of the agreement, Servotech will be responsible for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the company will maintain the facility for a duration of five years, ensuring its long-term efficiency and operational reliability. The EV charging hub will be strategically built within the airport premises and is slated to be operational within 75 days, targeting completion by the end of September. BIAL has committed ₹16.2 million (approximately €160,000) to this green energy project. While this may be a modest investment in the broader aviation context, it signals a significant shift in operational priorities—placing sustainability and emissions reduction at the forefront of airport logistics.
The new facility will cater specifically to electric buses used for airside operations, including the transport of passengers between the terminal and aircraft. These EVs, which play a critical role in airport logistics, are typically larger than city buses and feature battery packs with significantly higher energy storage capacities. In recognition of this, BIAL has placed an initial order for ten 240-kilowatt ultra-fast DC chargers from Servotech Renewable, bringing the total installed charging capacity to 2.4 megawatts (MW). “This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone,” said Senior Officials at Servotech Renewable. “It’s a step toward transforming urban transport at one of India’s busiest airports, allowing us to electrify the airport and play a vital role in reducing its carbon emissions with our advanced EV charging technology and infrastructure.”
Indeed, Bengaluru has long been considered a pioneer in India’s electric mobility transition. From battery swapping stations to multi-vehicle charging hubs, the city is embracing EVs faster than most Indian metros. Just days before the BIAL announcement, Charge Zone unveiled what is being touted as the country’s largest public EV charging hub in Bengaluru, capable of simultaneously powering over 200 vehicles. Now, the BIAL-Servotech collaboration further solidifies Bengaluru’s reputation as a national leader in EV infrastructure. The move also aligns with India’s broader green mobility goals, including the Union government’s push to electrify public transport and integrate sustainable technologies into core infrastructure. As part of the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme and various state-led initiatives, airports are being encouraged to adopt electric vehicles and establish clean energy infrastructure for operational needs.
The integration of EV charging hubs into airport operations also represents a crucial component of environmental strategy for aviation hubs globally. Airports consume vast amounts of energy not just for flying but also for ground handling, logistics, and passenger transport. By electrifying airside vehicles, airports can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also minimizing the long-term operational costs associated with fossil fuel-based vehicles. BIAL’s move is expected to encourage other major airports across India to explore similar infrastructure investments. Given that airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad handle even higher traffic volumes than Bengaluru, the potential environmental impact of transitioning to electric vehicles on the tarmac could be even more significant.
From a business perspective, the partnership also serves as a boost for Servotech Renewable, allowing the company to showcase its capabilities on a national stage. As a specialist in fast-charging solutions, the successful execution of the BIAL project could lead to further opportunities across airports, logistics hubs, and industrial transport corridors. The airport’s EV push will also contribute to improved air quality in and around its premises—a key concern given Bengaluru’s rising pollution levels. Electrification of airport vehicles, combined with solar energy generation and efficient terminal management systems, could ultimately help BIAL achieve its long-term sustainability targets.
This project, while focused on airside operations, is only one piece of a larger green puzzle. Future developments may include EV charging hubs for taxis and ride-sharing fleets outside the terminal, electric cargo handling systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources to power the entire airport ecosystem. As India’s aviation sector begins to expand post-pandemic, the emphasis on sustainability is becoming more urgent. With passenger numbers rising and airport infrastructure under pressure, solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising efficiency will be in high demand.
BIAL’s decision to invest early in EV infrastructure gives it a clear head start. It also sends a strong signal to other stakeholders—airlines, regulators, and the public—that sustainability is not a side project, but a central part of modern airport operations. India’s first EV charging hub for airside operations may only serve a fleet of electric buses for now, but its real power lies in the precedent it sets. As the EV revolution picks up speed across the country, Bengaluru Airport is now not only a gateway to the skies but also a blueprint for a cleaner, smarter future in aviation.
