Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal announced ambitious plans for India’s electrification and energy sector at a press conference in New Delhi, revealing the government’s goal to install 1 lakh electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2030. Emphasizing the importance of power accessibility, he highlighted various initiatives like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and the PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, which have significantly improved electricity supply in rural areas to an average of 22.6 hours per day, and in urban areas to 23.4 hours by 2025.
In terms of power generation, the Minister reported a substantial rise in both fossil and non-fossil capacities, with fossil-based power increasing from 168 GW in 2014 to 246 GW in early 2025, and non-fossil capacity growing from 80 GW to 220 GW during the same period. Shri Manohar Lal also noted the expansion of India’s transmission network from 2.91 lakh circuit kilometers in 2014 to 4.92 lakh circuit kilometers by 2025, contributing to India’s transition from a net importer to a net exporter of power, with exports reaching 9,980 MU in 2025.
Highlighting progress in the distribution sector, the Minister indicated a reduction in energy shortages from 4.2% in 2014 to 0.1% in 2025, alongside a decrease in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses from 22.62% to 15%. Further advancements include the installation of 2.13 crore smart meters and significant annual energy savings contributing to emissions reductions. With the government’s focus on electric vehicles, the planned installation of EV charging stations is a critical step towards promoting sustainable transport and reducing the carbon footprint. PIB
