Navi Mumbai is set to expand its electric vehicle ecosystem with the rollout of eight new public charging stations across two municipal zones, marking a significant stride in the city’s transition towards cleaner mobility. The initiative, led by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) in partnership with private developers, aims to strengthen the local charging grid and support the growing adoption of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Officials said the new stations will collectively host 48 charging points, offering improved access for daily commuters and residents.
The project forms part of a wider national and state-level push to accelerate the shift towards electric transport. The Centre has set a target of achieving 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030, while Maharashtra’s EV policy—adopted in 2022—encourages cities to expand local charging networks to meet rising demand. According to civic officials, the rapid uptake of electric scooters in suburban areas has made it essential to create dependable, well-distributed charging infrastructure that reduces range anxiety and fosters behavioural change among citizens. To determine where the first batch of stations should be located, the NMMC conducted a detailed mapping exercise across its jurisdiction. The survey evaluated parking zones near commercial centres, civic buildings, event halls, public parks, bus stops and other frequently accessed locations. Planners divided the city map into one-kilometre grids to ensure equitable coverage and reduce the walking distance to the nearest charging point. While the initial blueprint considered six stations per grid, practical constraints such as land availability compelled the civic body to revise the plan to five per grid, resulting in a final design of 24 grids and a future capacity of 143 charging points.
The first eight stations are being developed through a public–private partnership model by a consortium of three firms that will construct and operate the sites using their own investment. The arrangement allows the civic body to expand its charging network without committing heavy capital expenditure. As part of the financial structure, the NMMC will receive a fee of ₹4 per kilowatt-hour consumed at these stations. A separate allocation of ₹2 crore from the 15th Finance Commission will support activities tied to air-quality improvement, reinforcing the city’s broader sustainability objectives. Each charging site will also include space for digital display boards and lighting. Partner agencies may install kiosks for water and packaged food if the locations permit, subject to civic approval. Officials noted that such add-on services could help improve user experience and build confidence in electric mobility.
Urban planning experts say Navi Mumbai’s move demonstrates how municipal-scale interventions can support India’s transition to low-emission transport. By improving access to affordable EV charging, the city is not only encouraging clean mobility but also reinforcing more inclusive and climate-responsive urban growth.
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