In a bold push for cleaner urban mobility, West Bengal has announced that it will double the number of electric vehicle charging stations across major cities under its EV Charging Infra in WB strategy. This development comes as part of the government’s broader Smart city e-mobility plan, which focuses on accelerating green transport initiatives, reducing air pollution, and making EV adoption easier and more practical for daily commuters.
As of July 2025, there are around 420 active public EV charging points across West Bengal’s major urban zones. With this expansion initiative, that number will cross 900 by the end of November 2025. Cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur, Asansol, and Howrah will be the major beneficiaries of this upgrade.
What the EV Charging Infra Upgrade Includes
The EV Charging Infra in WB project is being implemented under the joint guidance of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL), Urban Development Department, and various municipal bodies. The plan is designed to ensure that no major smart city zone is without a publicly accessible EV charging point within a 3 km radius.
Key goals of the Smart city e-mobility plan:
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Installation of 500+ new AC and DC fast chargers across urban areas
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Integration of charging points in metro stations, malls, hospitals, and public parking zones
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Real-time charging availability updates via a unified mobile app
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Solar-powered charging hubs in select zones
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24/7 availability with support for UPI, credit/debit, and subsidy-linked recharge systems
These efforts will ease range anxiety among new EV buyers and increase the confidence of logistics and ride-sharing fleets transitioning to electric vehicles.
Comparison of Existing and Planned Infrastructure
The current EV Charging Infra in WB is robust in select zones but unevenly distributed. The new plan ensures equitable access and supports both two-wheelers and four-wheelers with standard and fast-charging capabilities.
| City | Existing Charging Points | New Points by Nov 2025 | Total (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | 150 | 180 | 330 |
| Siliguri | 40 | 60 | 100 |
| Durgapur | 30 | 50 | 80 |
| Howrah | 35 | 55 | 90 |
| Asansol | 25 | 45 | 70 |
| Others | 140 | 160 | 300 |
| Total | 420 | 550+ | 900+ |
This expansion not only supports personal EV owners but also aligns with the Smart city e-mobility plan by preparing infrastructure for electric buses, delivery vans, and shared mobility vehicles.
Green Energy and Private Sector Integration
To further enhance sustainability, the government is encouraging private players to set up charging stations through a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model. Up to 30% capital subsidy will be provided to businesses that invest in EV infrastructure within designated smart city zones.
Incentive measures under the Smart city e-mobility plan:
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₹10 lakh subsidy for commercial charging station installation
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Tax exemptions on renewable energy usage for EV infrastructure
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Integration of charging points into urban solar microgrids
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Inclusion in smart utility billing via the e-Governance platform
Private malls, housing complexes, and tech parks will also be brought under the purview of the EV Charging Infra in WB, mandating a minimum of 2 EV slots per 100 vehicles in their parking zones.
User Benefits and Long-Term Impact
This initiative brings widespread benefits to daily EV users, transport aggregators, and city planners alike. With the EV Charging Infra in WB rapidly scaling up, electric vehicle owners will find it easier and cheaper to charge on the go.
User-level advantages:
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Reduced waiting time at charging stations
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Real-time charger availability and booking
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Uniform charging tariffs across city zones
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Integration with vehicle apps and navigation maps
On a larger scale, the project supports West Bengal’s target of having 1 lakh EVs on the road by 2026, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and positioning the state as a national leader in clean mobility.
Conclusion
With the decision to double its EV charging capacity under the Smart city e-mobility plan, the government of West Bengal is making a long-term investment in sustainable transport. The comprehensive and inclusive EV Charging Infra in WB rollout ensures that the state’s cities are well-equipped for the upcoming wave of EV adoption. By November 2025, users will enjoy faster, easier, and greener travel—marking a major step forward in India’s clean transport future.
FAQs
What is the EV Charging Infra in WB project?
It is West Bengal’s initiative to double EV charging stations across major cities by November 2025, supporting its clean mobility goals.
How does this relate to the Smart city e-mobility plan?
The charging infrastructure expansion is a core part of the plan to make EVs viable in smart cities through better access, faster charging, and clean energy integration.
Will the new charging stations support fast charging?
Yes, a mix of AC and DC fast chargers will be installed, allowing full EV charging within 60 minutes for most vehicles.
Are private businesses allowed to set up chargers?
Yes, with up to 30% subsidy provided, private firms can install and operate EV charging stations in public and commercial spaces.
Will there be a mobile app for real-time status?
Yes, a unified mobile platform will let users locate chargers, view real-time status, and make digital payments for charging sessions.
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