Without proper action, the initiative to promote electric vehicles and provide dedicated charging spaces will be unsuccessful. Even though 24 EV (electric vehicle) charging stations and battery swapping stations (BSS) have been set up in Chandigarh, their effectiveness has been hampered by encroachments of these spaces by ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.
The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technologies Promotion Society (CREST) has requested the municipal corporation to permit barricading of these stations and has asked the Chandigarh traffic police to designate these areas as tow-away zones. Given that these facilities are situated within paid parking areas under civic body authority, CREST seeks MC's intervention. Without proper action, the initiative to promote electric vehicles and provide dedicated charging spaces will be unsuccessful. CREST has provided documentation of all 24 installation locations.
The CEO of CREST wrote to the municipal commissioner stating, "We would like to bring to your kind attention that the MC Chandigarh has allocated 39 sites in MC parking areas for the installation of EV charging stations and battery swapping stations. Of these, energisation has been completed for 24 EV charging station sites in Chandigarh. It is pertinent to mention that an MoU has been signed between CREST and MC for the implementation, operation, and management of these EV charging stations and battery swapping stations in the allocated sites. However, it has been observed that these designated EV charging stations and battery swapping stations are currently being occupied by ICE vehicles. This is leading to the underutilisation of these stations, causing significant monetary losses to both the installation firms and the MC. Moreover, the obstruction prevents EV users from accessing charging facilities, defeating the purpose of promoting sustainable transportation. In light of the above, we kindly request your intervention to address this issue."
"We seek your assistance in issuing written directives to the parking vendors, with a copy marked to CREST, to ensure the cooperation of all parties involved. We also request a separate letter of support to CREST, which can be shown to MC parking vendors to establish clear authority over EV charging stations and battery swapping stations. Additionally, we propose barricading the EV charging stations and BSS, allowing the installation agencies to barricade the EV charging zones to prevent unauthorised parking. Issuing a letter to the traffic police to declare these areas as tow-away zones for ICE vehicles, ensuring smooth operations and accessibility for EV users. Your timely intervention in this matter will greatly facilitate the effective use of these charging stations and support the vision of promoting electric mobility in Chandigarh," the CREST CEO said.
