Pune Mumbai Expressway is set to significantly enhance its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with eight additional charging stations along the 94.5-kilometre route, signalling a major step towards sustainable and zero-emission mobility. Currently, only five charging points are operational, leaving a gap in long-distance EV connectivity that has long frustrated commuters.
According to officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), a detailed study has been initiated to identify suitable locations for the new installations. Once completed, the additional stations will allow EVs to travel with greater ease and reliability across one of the busiest highways in the country.
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“Presently, five locations on the expressway provide EV charging. We aim to expand this network with eight more points. The locations will be finalised shortly, allowing vehicles to operate with minimal disruption,” an MSRDC official said. Another study is underway to assess the daily volume of electric vehicles using the expressway, particularly after recent policy changes that exempt EVs from tolls.The Pune Mumbai Expressway handles approximately 1.4 lakh vehicles every day, yet EV infrastructure has lagged behind the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in Maharashtra. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reports over 5.58 lakh registered EVs in the state, highlighting the urgent need for expanded charging capabilities along major transit corridors.
Experts note that the strategic placement of these stations is not just a matter of convenience, but an essential component in fostering green and sustainable urban transport ecosystems. Reliable EV infrastructure reduces range anxiety, encourages adoption of electric mobility, and contributes to lower carbon emissions, aligning with Maharashtra’s broader environmental goals.Motorists have welcomed the move, particularly given recent toll exemptions for EVs on the Pune Mumbai Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Atal Setu. “While toll benefits are positive, the lack of charging infrastructure has limited long-distance EV travel,” said an expert on sustainable mobility. The upcoming installations aim to bridge this critical gap, making electric travel safer and more accessible for all commuters.
This expansion also reflects a growing recognition of the need for equitable and gender-neutral urban mobility. By improving EV infrastructure, the authorities are ensuring that cleaner transport options are available to all, regardless of location or economic background. The project, expected to commence by year-end, marks a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s transition to an eco-friendly transport network.As the state continues to invest in electric mobility, the Pune Mumbai Expressway project demonstrates how infrastructure planning, environmental responsibility, and commuter convenience can intersect, creating a sustainable blueprint for India’s highways of the future.
