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The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has appointed Adani Group to set up seven electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to generate non-traffic revenue and mitigate carbon emissions in the city.
According to PMPML officials, an area of around 1,200 square feet has been allocated to Adani to install the EV charging stations at Hinjewadi Phase 2, Bhakti-Shakti (Nigdi), Bhosari, Katraj, Baner-Sus Road, Pulgate and Deccan Gymkhana.
Satish Gate, a spokesperson for the PMPML, said the tender was awarded to Adani with the highest bid, denoted as H1. Among the seven locations identified for the EV charging stations, Baner-Sus Road has served as an amenity space, providing Adani the opportunity to explore renewable energy options, including solar power generation.
“The PMPML is the major shareholder in this project. Out of every Rs 100 generated as revenue, Rs 32.50 will be credited into the PMPML’s account,” he said.
“Based on the agreement, PMPML will provide the space and power supply while Adani Group will be responsible for the infrastructure development. The power supply to Hinjewadi has been complete; the group will now proceed with deploying the charging station,” said the spokesperson.
A member of PMPML’s technical team said the initiative is a move towards green projects and sustainability. Emphasizing the increasing number of electric vehicles in the city, he said, “The charging stations will be strategically deployed in busy and popular locations of Pune where users can easily access the charging services.”
The charging stations will cater to all the private vehicles, including two-wheelers. As per the Regional Transport Office (RTO) data, as many as 33,411 electric vehicles (EV) have been registered in Pune in 2023 as compared to the year before when 25,625 EVs were registered.
According to the official, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has offered Adani Group a tariff for the charging station, and it is notably lower than the commercial rate.
According to Nishikant Raut, the public relations officer for MSEDCL, Adani Group will get electricity supply at the rate of Rs 7.25 per unit, comprising both the 6.08 energy charges and 1.17 wheeling charges (the cost associated with transporting electricity from a power plant to a user).
While acknowledging that there might be certain hurdles that could delay the project, Satish Gate said the aim will be to complete the project within the estimated timeframe of six months.
