Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has inaugurated a set of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on its administrative premises.
This move, aligned with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ Harit Sagar guidelines, reinforces the port’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable mobility within its operational ecosystem. The newly commissioned infrastructure comprises two DC fast-charging stations and two AC charging units, with power capacities ranging between 7kW and 22kW. The facility is designed to enable simultaneous charging for up to six electric vehicles, including passenger EVs, logistics vans, and service transport, forming a crucial part of the port’s internal green logistics network.
This development is part of the broader environmental vision laid out by the central government to greenify ports under the Harit Sagar initiative, which sets sustainability milestones for all major ports in the country. Officials at the inauguration underscored that the installation of the charging infrastructure is not merely symbolic but a practical step to reduce the port’s carbon footprint, especially from auxiliary and support vehicle operations. According to port experts, the transition to electric vehicle infrastructure is a tangible manifestation of the port’s commitment to align with India’s national decarbonisation goals. It also serves as a model for other major ports in the country which are under increasing pressure to modernise operations with a climate-first lens.
Over the past decade, Visakhapatnam Port has emerged as a key node in India’s eastern seaboard maritime network. Its role in cargo handling, ship movement, and coastal transport has brought with it both economic benefits and environmental challenges. Recognising this, the port has gradually shifted focus toward environmentally responsible initiatives, including the use of renewable energy, emission controls, and now electric vehicle support systems. While the EV penetration in India’s logistics and port sector remains nascent, the introduction of reliable EV charging infrastructure inside the port premises is expected to accelerate the uptake of green mobility by contractors, logistics operators, and in-house transport fleets. This, in turn, could play a significant role in reducing localised air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
Industry analysts believe that introducing EV infrastructure at India’s ports is not just a climate action but a strategic economic choice. Electrification of mobility within high-frequency zones like ports can bring down operational costs over time, while also improving efficiency by reducing vehicle idle time and maintenance expenses. Officials involved in the project pointed out that the facilities are scalable and may be further upgraded based on demand. Plans are reportedly being considered to install solar-powered chargers and integrate the station network with a central monitoring system for energy efficiency audits.
At a time when India is working towards achieving 30% electric mobility by 2030, moves like these signal readiness in public infrastructure and reinforce state-level institutional support. As India expands its green ports agenda, success stories such as Visakhapatnam’s transition to electric vehicle-ready zones offer a replicable model for sustainable port urbanism. However, challenges persist. EV infrastructure across Indian ports is still sporadic and lacks standardisation. Operators across different regions face logistical, financial, and technical hurdles in deploying and maintaining such systems. The VPA’s proactive stance in commissioning these facilities ahead of regulatory deadlines indicates both operational foresight and administrative will.
Ultimately, the story of Visakhapatnam Port’s EV initiative is not just about installing chargers—it is a story of a public body embracing the future. In doing so, it has taken a firm step toward a more sustainable, technologically integrated port environment—one that could improve the quality of life for nearby communities and contribute to India’s zero net carbon ambitions. As the monsoon sets in and port operations scale up, the integration of cleaner transport systems will help mitigate emissions traditionally caused by backup diesel vehicles, heavy-duty service trucks, and visitor mobility. If replicated across other major ports and transport hubs, such developments can significantly bolster India’s transition to a low-emission economy.
The onus now lies on continuous innovation, policy alignment, and public-private collaboration to ensure that EV adoption doesn’t remain confined to a few urban centres but becomes a defining characteristic of India’s national infrastructure narrative.
Visakhapatnam Launches EV Charging Stations at Port Complex
