Madhya Pradesh tourism department is adding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its hotels across the state in a phased manner, starting with 55 properties. This move is seen as creating infrastructure for future generation vehicles.
The infrastructure upgrade, aimed at offering modern amenities to increasing number of tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh, is set to roll out in phases, with an initial focus on high-traffic tourist destinations. Among the key locations targeted for the installation of EV charging stations are Mandu, Ujjain, Omkareswar, Gandhi Sagar, Hanuwantiya, Jhabua, Maheswar, Pachmarhi, Orchha, Jabalpur, Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Chanderi, and Amarkantak.
“With the growing prevalence of EVs on the roads, enhancing infrastructure is essential to accommodate this shift. This initiative is to give a boost to the EV ecosystem in the state. Tourists will also reap benefits of this initiative,” Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) MD, Ilayaraja T said.
MPTDC operates 67 hotels throughout the state and plans to establish EV charging stations at 55 of them, providing a much-needed service for eco-conscious travellers. The project will involve collaboration with third-party operators who will manage the charging stations, while the tourism department will receive a share of the revenue generated.
To move forward, MPTDC has issued a tender seeking bids from private investors interested in setting up and operating these stations. “We have called for tenders to invite private investors to establish the stations. These stations will operate on a charging basis, and a portion of the revenue will be directed to us. This is the first time we are incorporating EV stations, and we anticipate this will attract investment and generate revenue for the state,” Ilayaraja T said.
