Patna: Fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed at 10 major govt premises in Patna, including the state Secretariat, to promote electric mobility and strengthen charging infrastructure in the state.Under the first phase of the initiative, fast EV charging stations will be set up at Visvesvaraya Bhawan, Vikas Bhawan, Sichai Bhawan, old Secretariat, Patna Collectorate, state Legislative Assembly, multi-modal hub, multi-level car parking, Beur Mor and Harding Road.The transport department and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establish the charging stations.The initiative is aimed at making charging facilities more accessible to govt employees, officials and the general public while encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles.State transport commissioner Arif Ahsan signed the agreement on behalf of the transport department, while Rajiv Kumar, state retail sales head of IOCL, Bihar, signed for the corporation.State transport commissioner Arif Ahsan said the facilities would provide a convenient charging option for officials, employees and members of the public visiting these important govt establishments.“The availability of EV charging facilities at the Secretariat and other important govt premises will provide significant relief to EV users,” Ahsan said.He called the agreement an important step towards strengthening state’s EV charging network.He said the state government was committed to developing a clean, safe and sustainable transport system and that accessible charging infrastructure was essential to increase EV adoption. He added that efforts were underway to expand the charging network across Bihar in coordination with public and private sector organisations.IOCL state retail sales head Rajiv Kumar said the corporation was supporting the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the state, citing the growing potential of electric vehicles in the state.He said IOCL had already established 210 EV charging stations across Bihar and will now install charging stations at the identified govt premises under the agreement.
