State, IOCL join forces to supercharge EV infra

Staff Reporter

Panaji

The Goa government has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to set up a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and advanced battery swapping facilities across the state. The initiative also includes developing essential roadside amenities such as toilets and changing rooms along national highways.

To support the initiative, the government will bear 50% of the cost for laying electricity connections to these charging stations.

“EV charging stations will be established in key cities including Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco. IOCL will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the EV charging infrastructure, including battery swapping stations. The company will also provide other basic facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and fuel stations, at no cost to the state,” said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between the Department of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and IOCL in the presence of Sawant, Secretary Sarpreet Singh Gill, IOCL General Manager Suresh Kumar, and other officials.

The significance of the project is to promote green energy, said Sawant, “This collaboration aims to make Goa a more sustainable and eco-friendly destination by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles”, he said.