Unreliable charging infrastructure could derail EV adoption in Goa
The American community activist and political theorist Saul Alinsky once stated, “The most unethical of all means is the non-use of any means.” This clearly signify that inaction in the face of a situation requiring action is more morally wrong than using flawed or challenging methods. It also criticises the approach wherein available resources or facilities are grossly neglected and allowed to rot by way of their non-use. A similar scenario exists in Goa which shows abandonment of large number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by way of their non-maintenance.
The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries recently tabled statistics in the Parliament informing that oil marketing companies (OMCs) have set up 87 electric vehicle public charging stations (EVPCS) across Goa over the past five years. “However,” the data adds, “as of March 1, 2026, only 59 of these are operational, leaving 28 stations either non-functional or decommissioned”. The figures expose a concerning trend, with one-third of the state’s EV charging infrastructure out of use. The disparity raises questions regarding maintenance, planning and execution of the facility. Due to this situation, Goa’s push toward electric mobility is today facing a reality check, with a significant gap emerging between the number of EV charging stations installed across the state and those actually functioning. As per the statistical data, the rollout has also been inconsistent; Goa witnessed an initial push of eight stations in 2020-21 and 19 in 2021-22, followed by a dip to six in 2022-23. The installations peaked at 22 in 2023-24 before subsequently shifting to 14 in 2024-25 and 18 in the financial year 2025-26. While the numbers indicate steady investment in these charging stations, a lack of operational readiness undermines the state’s green ambitions. In comparison, larger states like Uttar Pradesh (3,284), Karnataka (2,400) and Maharashtra (2,243) have built extensive networks of EV charging stations with significantly higher operational rates. Furthermore, the data suggests that even smaller states have shown a more consistent utilisation of their installed infrastructure as compared to Goa.
Experts have warned that unreliable infrastructure in this sector could discourage EV adoption, particularly in a tourism-driven economy where ease of mobility is critical. In addition, issues such as poor maintenance, connectivity challenges and suboptimal site selection are believed to contribute to the operational gap. While rising fuel prices and policy incentives continue to drive demand, Goa’s transition to cleaner mobility may remain stalled unless the state addresses this bottleneck between installation and functionality.
The average data shows that 11 per cent of all vehicles sold in Goa over the last four years, have been electric vehicles, irrespective of the government subsidies provided. A total of 32,987 such vehicles have been sold since 2023 in the state. Although the subsidies to purchase such vehicles were discontinued by the government in 2024, there was no drop in their purchase. In 2025, altogether 9,881 vehicles were purchased, while this year, the first three months witnessed altogether 1,867 electric vehicles being bought. The government after providing a subsidy for 5,600 vehicles a year had discontinued the same at the end of the year 2024. However now, the new draft EV policy has proposed that a subsidy be provided on purchase of all EVs to boost sales and reduce carbon footprints. Although transition of the transportation system, especially personal transportation system, from vehicles running on fossil based fuels to electric vehicles is a welcome step, the shortage of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure could put a spoke in the wheel of this transformation.
