Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with the state govt submitting a proposal to the Centre for 290 new public charging stations in 13 cities under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.The proposal has been submitted to the Centre as part of the scheme’s second phase, following the approval of 170 public EV charging stations in the first phase in seven cities, where implementation is currently underway.“With EV adoption gaining momentum, strengthening charging infrastructure has become a priority. We have proposed 290 additional public charging stations in key urban and industrial centres to ensure seamless mobility for EV users,” a senior transport department official said.The proposed charging stations are planned for Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradip, Barbil, Belpahar, Berhampur, Brajarajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Keonjhar and Rajgangpur. The state has also identified locations along major national and state highways to support long-distance EV travel.Of the proposed sites, 68 wayside amenity centres maintained by the tourism department and six other strategic locations, including stretches along the high-priority Paradip-Barbil corridor, have been earmarked for charging facilities. “The expansion will improve charging accessibility, reduce range anxiety and encourage more people to switch to electric mobility,” the official added.Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been appointed as the project implementation agency for the central scheme. Apart from the Centre-sponsored project, the Odisha govt is also undertaking an ambitious expansion of charging infrastructure on its own. More than 500 charging stations are being developed across the state, of which 24 are already operational in Bhubaneswar.Charging facilities are also being installed at major transit points, including Atal bus stands, truck terminals and other important public locations. Odisha’s EV policy provides financial incentives to buyers, and officials believe the planned infrastructure expansion will further boost the state’s shift towards sustainable transportation.