Navi Mumbai to Get 124 New EV Charging Stations by 2025
In a significant push towards sustainable urban mobility, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has announced plans to establish 124 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city. This renewed initiative, spearheaded by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailash Shinde, marks a fresh attempt to bolster the city’s green infrastructure after previous efforts by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) failed to deliver the expected results.
The move comes as part of Maharashtra’s broader Electric Vehicle Policy (2022–2025), which aims to transform the state’s transportation landscape. The policy’s ambitious target is to ensure that 10% of all registered vehicles in the state are electric by 2025, rising to 30% by 2030. According to the state’s transport department, as of 2024, approximately 9% of vehicles in Maharashtra already run on electricity, signalling growing momentum towards EV adoption. Navi Mumbai’s journey towards building an efficient EV ecosystem hasn’t been without hurdles. The earlier attempt to set up charging stations under the NMMT involved a tender-based process to establish 30 stations on a build, use, and transfer basis. Despite awarding contracts, progress stagnated over the last two years due to operational inefficiencies and a lack of sustained execution.
Recognising these shortcomings, Dr Shinde announced during the NMMC’s anniversary event that the corporation is now taking steps on a “war footing” to expedite the process. This renewed focus aligns with the state’s environmental goals, reinforcing Navi Mumbai’s commitment to creating an eco-friendly transport ecosystem. The rapid growth of the EV sector in Maharashtra underscores the critical need for robust charging infrastructure. As EV sales surge and more people transition to electric mobility, the availability of charging stations becomes a key determinant in sustaining this growth. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, local bodies have faced challenges in setting up adequate charging networks. While a few isolated projects have been successful, most municipalities have struggled with slow implementation, leaving EV users dependent on limited public and private facilities. Navi Mumbai’s initiative to install 124 stations could serve as a model for other cities, showcasing how urban centres can adapt to the demands of a greener future. The plan is expected to cover strategic locations across the city, ensuring easy access for residents, commuters, and fleet operators.
Maharashtra’s EV policy is not just about promoting electric vehicles; it’s a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and transition towards sustainable energy. As cities like Navi Mumbai accelerate their efforts, the benefits will extend beyond cleaner transportation to reduced carbon emissions, improved public health, and economic growth through the creation of green jobs. With the global focus on sustainable urban development, Navi Mumbai’s aggressive EV infrastructure expansion could position the city as a leader in India’s green mobility revolution. The success of this initiative will depend not just on installation but also on effective maintenance, user-friendly technology, and collaborative efforts with private stakeholders. As Dr Kailash Shinde aptly put it, Navi Mumbai’s journey towards becoming an environmentally responsible city is gaining momentum, and these 124 new charging stations are just the beginning.
