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In a significant move to promote sustainable tourism and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced plans to install EV charging stations at 49 of its resorts statewide. The initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for eco-conscious tourists and align with the state’s broader electric mobility goals.
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Strategic Rollout Across Key Locations
The installation of EV charging stations will commence at MTDC’s Boat Club and Grape Park resorts near Nashik. Subsequent installations are planned at four other resorts in the Nashik region, including Bhandardara and Shirdi. The Nagpur region will see the highest concentration with 13 locations, followed by Ratnagiri/Sindhudurg (10), Pune (9), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (7), and Mumbai (6) .
Partnership Model for Implementation
MTDC will lease approximately 50 square meters at each resort to contractors for a period of ten years, with an option to extend for another decade. These contractors will be responsible for the installation, management, and maintenance of the charging stations. Each site is expected to feature two charging stations capable of powering up to four vehicles simultaneously .
This initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s comprehensive Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, which aims to achieve 30% EV adoption for all new vehicle registrations, 40% for two- and three-wheelers, 50% for aggregator cabs, and 15% for private buses by 2030. The policy also includes provisions for toll exemptions for electric vehicles on major expressways and mandates the installation of EV charging stations every 25 km on highways .
Traveler Perspective:
A frequent traveler from Pune expressed enthusiasm about the new charging infrastructure: “This move will make road trips more convenient for EV owners, especially those traveling to tourist destinations. It’s encouraging to see the state supporting sustainable travel options.”
Conclusion:
MTDC’s initiative to install EV charging stations at its resorts is a commendable step towards promoting sustainable tourism and supporting the state’s electric mobility goals. As the network expands, travelers can look forward to a more seamless and eco-friendly travel experience across Maharashtra.