Patna: The state transport department has completed the installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Purnia, while work is underway in four other districts — Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Gaya, according to a department communique.Eight charging points are being set up, with each depot facility designed to cater to 50 buses. Charging a bus will take around one to one-and-a-half hours. Charging stations are already operational at the bus depots in Phulwarisharif, Rajgir and Muzaffarpur, the department said.The state govt is developing a network of EV charging stations to make electric mobility more accessible. Besides electric buses, the fast-charging facilities will be available to private two-wheelers, three-wheelers and cars, the communique said.In Patna, direct-current (DC) charging stations for private vehicles are being set up on 10 govt office campuses and facilities, including Main Secretariat, state assembly, collectorate, Vishwesaraiya Bhawan, Vikas Bhawan, Sinchai Bhawan, the multimodal hub at Kankarbagh, Beur Mor and Hardinge Road.Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), which signed a memorandum of understanding with the transport department, is establishing these stations. Charging a car will take around 45 to 60 minutes. The facilities will also cater to two-wheelers and three-wheelers, the department said.The department has also announced a subsidy scheme for private entities and individuals setting up EV charging stations. Eligible applicants will receive a subsidy of 25% of the cost of machinery and equipment, capped at Rs 10 lakh per unit.Charging stations can be established at govt buildings, commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, multiplexes, residential apartments and housing societies with more than five families. Petrol pumps, highway dhabas and restaurants, bus stands and parking areas are also eligible locations under the scheme.
