Giving the much needed EV boost to the Holy City of Ayodhya, the Ayodhya Development Authority signed an Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Power. The MoU allows Tata Power to set up EV charging points in public parking locations across the city. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation solutions in the holy city of Ayodhya.
The official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place in Ayodhya, and those present included Gaurav Dayal, Divisional Commissioner of Ayodhya, Nitish Kumar, District Magistrate - Ayodhya, Vishal Singh, Vice Chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority along with Virendra Goyal, Head- Business Development (EV Charging), Tata Power. With a strong focus on promoting sustainable mobility, Tata Power and Ayodhya Development Authority are focused on driving the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives in the city.
Under this collaboration, Tata Power proposes to install EV charging points at key locations accessible to the public, including Parking Survya Kund , Guptar Ghat , Amaniganj multi-level parking (MLCP) in front of the Jalkal Department; Kaushesh Kunj MLCP parking near the Ayodhya railway station; Tedhi Bazar MLCP parking on the east and west sides of Ayodhya; and the Collectorate Office parking in Ayodhya. These selected sites have been strategically chosen to provide convenient and accessible charging facilities for EV users, ensuring a seamless charging experience across the city. The partnership with Ayodhya Development Authority to install EV charging infrastructure holds importance as Ayodhya is known for its holy significance and is a popular tourist destination that attracts a large number of visitors from around the world. This collaboration sends a powerful message to residents, pilgrims, and tourists about the importance of transitioning to cleaner and greener modes of transportation, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society while preserving the sanctity of the holy city.
Vishal Singh Vice Chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This partnership between Tata Power and Ayodhya Development Authority is a significant milestone in promoting sustainable mobility in our pilgrimage city. By establishing EV charging infrastructure in public parking locations, we are not only providing convenient and accessible charging facilities for electric vehicle users but also highlighting our commitment to environmental preservation in a city of immense religious importance. Joining hands with Tata Power aligns with our vision of transforming Ayodhya into a cleaner and greener spot, ensuring a sustainable future for pilgrims and tourists, and contributing to the state’s holistic approach towards promoting EV adoption."
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken significant steps to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. To incentivize EV purchases, the government offers a three-year exemption from tax and registration fees. Moreover, EVs manufactured within the state receive a five-year exemption, further encouraging the growth of local EV manufacturing and supporting the state's economy. These measures aim to make EVs more affordable and accessible to the people of Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the overall shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. Ayodhya, in alignment with the vision of the Uttar Pradesh government, actively contributes to the promotion of EV adoption by establishing EV charging infrastructure and creating a supportive ecosystem for electric mobility.
"Our approach encompasses a comprehensive focus on infrastructure development, technological innovation, and strategic collaborations, and we are pleased to extend our endeavours to a city like Ayodhya which holds immense cultural importance," stated Virendra Goyal, Head- Business Development (EV Charging), Tata Power. "Through our partnership with the Ayodhya Development Authority, we are fully committed to establishing a seamless and easily accessible charging ecosystem for electric vehicle users in Ayodhya. By leveraging our extensive experience and expertise in advanced technologies, we are dedicated to supporting the city’s sustainable transportation objectives and driving the transition towards a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for the city and the nation."
Tata Power has installed a total of 110 public, semi-public charging stations across Uttar Pradesh till now. As the largest EV charging point operator with nearly 60% market share in the country, Tata Power has installed 40,000+ home chargers, 4000+ public and semi-public charging points, and 250 bus-charging points. The Company has energised chargers in 350 cities and continues to expand across the nation.