Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday underscored the state government’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in the commercial and heavy-duty segment, as he flagged off a new fleet of heavy-duty EVs from one of India’s leading manufacturers.
Speaking at the event, Sarnaik said: “As the State Transport Minister, I had the privilege of flagging off heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) from one of the country’s premier companies for our state. We are committed to providing all the facilities they have requested to support this initiative. They have emphasised the need for charging stations at various locations… It is excellent news that companies like Tata are introducing more EVs, and we are extending various facilities to support them… Through these government-backed measures and EV-specific incentives, we aim to significantly increase the number of electric vehicles in the state.
”The minister’s remarks highlight Maharashtra’s push to strengthen EV infrastructure, with a particular focus on expanding the network of charging stations across key locations to address range anxiety and operational challenges faced by commercial operators. Officials indicated that the government is working closely with manufacturers to facilitate the rollout of these vehicles and to ensure the necessary support systems are in place.
Industry observers note that the introduction of heavy-duty electric vehicles marks an important step toward decarbonising freight and public transport in the state. Maharashtra has already implemented a range of EV-friendly policies, including incentives for buyers, subsidies for charging infrastructure, and prioritised support for manufacturers setting up operations in the state.
Sarnaik reiterated that the state remains focused on creating an enabling ecosystem. By combining policy incentives with practical infrastructure development, the government aims to drive a substantial rise in the share of electric vehicles on Maharashtra’s roads in the coming years.The flagging-off ceremony is expected to pave the way for further deployments of electric buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles, reinforcing the state’s ambitions in the transition to cleaner mobility.
