Kolkata Launches EV Dashboard to Locate Charging Stations
Kolkata has introduced a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) dashboard and interactive map to help motorists locate charging stations across the city.
Developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and backed by the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, the platform aims to ease access to EV infrastructure and support the city’s net-zero transition goals. The dashboard, titled ‘Accelerating Net-Zero Transition of Public Transportation in Kolkata’, was unveiled at a recent energy conclave in the city. It features a real-time, user-friendly map pinpointing 166 existing EV charging stations to serve more than 15,000 registered EVs in Kolkata. However, experts note that the actual number of EVs is likely far higher, as many e-rickshaws and low-speed two-wheelers remain unregistered.
The portal is designed not just for city residents but also for commuters from neighbouring districts like Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas, where inter-district EV traffic is on the rise. The dashboard also projects long-term EV infrastructure needs up to 2050, offering critical insights to planners and policymakers. The initiative responds to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report which highlighted low public awareness of charging infrastructure as a key barrier to EV adoption. Local EV users have echoed similar concerns. “The government must include EV charging stations in road signage. So far, there is none,” said Kolkata-based EV owner Samik Dhar. A.K. Saxena, senior director at TERI, said the dashboard also integrates recommendations on grid resilience, energy storage, and decentralised energy access. “This tool provides a roadmap for a cleaner, smarter energy future. Bengal is already on its way, targeting 1,260 electric buses by 2025—up from just 80 today,” he added.
With this new tool, Kolkata hopes to significantly improve its EV ecosystem and provide the infrastructure needed to support its ambitious e-mobility goals.
