CANACONA
The State government on Saturday launched the Goa State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 and Electric Charging Stations Policy 2021, staking claim to be the first state to provide subsidies on purchase of Electric Vehicles and setting up of Electric Charging Stations.
Union Minister of Heavy Industries Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the two State policies at the Round Table organised by the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries to promote Electric Mobility at Canacona on Saturday.
On the occasion, 10 electric buses sanctioned for the KTC under the FAME II scheme were also flagged off by Dr Pandey and Sawant, adding to the fleet of 50 such buses already plying on roads in the State.
The Goa State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 provides for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for electric vehicles, electrification of ferries and focus on R&D and skill development.
In his address, Sawant informed the participants on Goa’s progress in electric mobility, including grants of subsidies and setting up electric charging stations.
“There is an immediate need to bring down pollution and the government will make efforts to make 30 per cent of vehicles running on Goan roads electric compliant by 2025. To begin with, Goa will provide a subsidy of up to Rs 3 lakh to the first 400 electric four- wheelers,” the chief minister said.
Sawant informed 40 more electric buses will be added to take the number to 100 KTC electric buses in operation across the State.
“Tenders have already been floated for another 500 buses to be added to KTC’s fleet of electric buses in the months to come,” said Sawant.
“By launching these two policies and giving subsidies to consumers, Goa will definitely be the first state to do so.
The chief minister said these new policies would provide a 30% subsidy for electric 2-wheelers, 40% subsidy for electric 3-wheelers and up to Rs 3 lakh for the first 400 electric four-wheelers.
“For the first 3 months, 50 charging stations will be set up at Margao and Panaji bus stands, and most other major bus stands. Besides, those who want to set up private charging stations will be given electricity subsidy and the government is willing grant subsidy for infrastructure as well,” said Sawant.
