In a positive move towards sustainable urban development, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is proposing to make the inclusion of EV charging stations mandatory in the building plans of all new constructions.
The AMC is going all out to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the city, with plans to rope in private entities to establish charging facilities at 81 locations across Ahmedabad, according to sources in the municipal corporation.
These charging stations will be strategically positioned, including key areas such as Kankaria Kids City, Navrangpura Multilevel Parking, and under flyovers. Over 15 stations already exist in AMC-owned premises and tenders have been floated for the 81 locations.
Vehicle fleet
Moreover, the AMC intends to convert its entire vehicle fleet to EVs, with plans to provide e-cars to officials, in a significant shift towards a fully electric transportation system.
The AMC is incentivizing the installation of charging stations on common plots within older residential societies. It is also offering a complete exemption on vehicle tax for newly purchased electric vehicles.
The initiative aligns with the Gujarat Electric Policy 2021 introduced by the state government, which provides subsidies ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh for electric vehicles and their charging stations.
An amendment to the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) to mandate EV charging stations in new buildings is currently under review. This will ensure that residential societies going for redevelopment will be ready with EV charging infrastructure.
