In Chandigarh, thieves target unguarded EV charging stations, steal equipment worth Rs 1 crore in 2 months

Thefts of various equipment, including charging guns and boxes, have been reported at least nine EV charging stations in Chandigarh in the last two months.

3 min readChandigarhMar 20, 2024 12:15 PM IST

Unguarded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations being set up across Chandigarh have become a soft target for thieves who have stolen and vandalised equipment worth approximately Rs 1 crore in the last two months.

The thefts have prompted the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), the nodal agency implementing the Union Territory’s EV policy, to approach the police. While a first information report on the matter was lodged on Tuesday, sources said the thefts have been occurring for the past two months but the agency only became aware of the incidents last week.

So far, thefts of various equipment, including charging guns, boxes, and structures, have been reported at least nine charging stations at various locations, including Sector 42 Lake, Palm Garden, Sector 42, Sector 7 Market, and Sector 16.

Sources revealed that the UT Adviser Rakesh Verma also addressed the matter with CREST officials at his office on Tuesday.

“We filed a complaint with the local police last week. On Tuesday, an FIR was lodged. This matter concerns law and order and we are exploring methods to safeguard these charging stations,” T C Nautiyal, who oversees CREST, said.

CREST is responsible for the operation of these charging stations and has subcontracted management to private companies. (Express Photo)

Charging stations for EV vehicles are being set up at 53 locations across Chandigarh, including parking areas contracted from the municipal corporation, and are scheduled to be operational from March 31. CREST is responsible for the operation of these charging stations and has subcontracted management to private companies. However, there are no safety measures in place. Visits to several locations, including Sector 16 and Sector 24, revealed that the properties were left unguarded, with no CCTV cameras either.

Police patrolling vehicles have now been directed to make rounds of areas where the charging stations are located, a police officer said. “The concerned departments should also deploy their workers to guard these charging stations,” the officer added.

Story continues below this ad

The UT administration introduced an EV policy in September 2022 but faced criticism for not providing sufficient charging infrastructure in Chandigarh, where approximately 7,000 EVs are registered.

As part of the administration’s EV policy, 177 charging guns will be made available in various parking areas across the city, including Rock Garden, Multilevel Parking, Sector 17, High Court Extension Parking, Sector 51A petrol pump, Sector 22B Paid Parking, Opposite Elante Mall parking, Sector 21C parking, Sector 26 parking, Sector 34 Zone-2 Paid Parking, Car Bazar Parking Area Mani Majra, Sector 13 etc.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
electric vehicles

Loading Recommendations...

Apr 14: Latest News

Live Blog