'Mah to frame policy to set up electric vehicle charging stns'

Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has plans to frame a policy for setting up electric vehicle charging stations across the state considering the future needs in the transport sector.

This was disclosed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here yesterday after inaugurating the country's first multi- modal electric vehicle project and Ola electric charging station, in the presence of Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

"The state government will frame a policy to set up electric vehicle charging stations for electric vehicles across the state," the CM said.

"This is a huge opportunity for creating jobs for the unemployed youth. Through these charging stations, more job opportunities will be created. The policy will cover all the aspects related to the land availability and granting permissions for the electric vehicle charging stations," he said.

Gadkari, who handles the Transport and Shipping portfolios at the Centre, said there was an urgent need to rethink the transport infrastructure and fuel dependency in the country.

"The Transport Ministry is focusing on pollution-free public transport in the country and we have entered into an MoU with Transport for London, the company which looks after the public transport in London," the minister said.

On manufacturing dual-fuel engine for ships in the country, he said, "I am working on (setting up) a joint venture between an Indian company and Rolls Royce on developing dual fuel engine for ships to be manufactured in India. The agreement is very close to completion."

He said the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) in Mumbai was running into losses and his ministry has decided to find a solution to address issues pertaining to it and other public transport bodies.