The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is set to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway with plans to install eight additional charging stations by year-end. The move is part of the state’s broader push towards clean mobility and carbon-neutral highways, ensuring long-distance travel becomes more feasible for EV users.
Currently, the 94.5-kilometre expressway is serviced by just five EV charging points, a number considered inadequate given the exponential rise in EV ownership in Maharashtra. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan portal, the state has more than 5.58 lakh registered EVs, making it one of the largest EV markets in India. The growing demand for green transportation has created a pressing need for reliable charging infrastructure, particularly on high-density corridors like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which carries nearly 1.4 lakh vehicles daily. Officials confirmed that a detailed study is underway to identify strategic locations for the new charging points. These will be spread out to ensure that EV users can drive the stretch without range anxiety, a key deterrent for long-distance adoption. Another study is also being conducted to map the number of EVs currently plying on the expressway, with an aim to anticipate future demand patterns.
The state government has recently offered incentives to encourage adoption, including exemption from tolls for EVs on major highways such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Atal Setu. However, commuters argue that the lack of consistent charging infrastructure remains a major roadblock. Several stations across the state are either non-operational or plagued by technical glitches, undermining consumer confidence. Transport experts note that without dependable charging support, policies exempting tolls or offering incentives will have limited impact. “The charging network is the backbone of EV growth. Unless every highway and urban corridor is adequately equipped, EV adoption will plateau,” said a senior transport analyst, highlighting that Maharashtra must prioritise both expansion and maintenance of infrastructure.
Industry observers believe the new MSRDC initiative is a step in the right direction but caution that timing is critical. As the state eyes ambitious carbon reduction targets, delays in implementing EV-friendly infrastructure could undermine both investor confidence and commuter trust. Experts add that partnerships with private players and renewable energy providers could accelerate rollout while ensuring the new stations operate sustainably. For now, the proposed charging points are expected to bring relief to EV owners, many of whom have hesitated to take long intercity journeys. The project, if completed within its projected timeframe, will not only boost confidence among current users but also act as a catalyst for prospective buyers who view infrastructure reliability as central to the EV decision-making process.
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