The initiative by the Delhi government to promote electric vehicles (EVs) faces serious obstacles, as numerous charging stations across the city are reportedly malfunctioning or inadequately maintained. This situation raises doubts about the city’s ability to support a rising number of electric vehicles. The recently introduced electric vehicle policy emphasises the necessity to enhance and expand the charging infrastructure to facilitate a transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Inspections at various locations in central Delhi uncovered numerous operational problems. For instance, at a charging station located in the Central Secretariat area, merely 50 metres from Parliament, out of six installed units, only one was operational. A ground check by India Today TV revealed that the remaining units were either turned off, showed “unavailable” messages, or appeared to be non-functional.

Multiple EV users expressed their frustration at the charging situation. One user noted that while charging a vehicle takes approximately one and a half hours, the waiting times often extend to almost three hours due to the limited functionality of the chargers. They stated, “Only one charger is operational, so after a couple of hours, a queue of vehicles builds up.”

Maintenance Deficiencies Contribute to Frustration

Concerns regarding the lack of maintenance at charging stations were voiced by several EV owners. They reported that although many charging points exist, a significant number are non-operational and often left unattended for long stretches. One user remarked, “There are many chargers in the city, yet most of them are not functional.”

Further inspections in the Central Secretariat area revealed that designated spaces for EV charging were frequently occupied by other vehicles. Many of the charging units appeared neglected, with display screens switched off and equipment presented as out of service. A similar lack of functionality was noted in other locations, including Talkatora Stadium, where three out of four charging stations were found to be non-operational.

Additionally, issues such as open electrical circuit boxes and disconnected charging cables were identified at various sites. Several charging units possessed non-functional displays, while others seemed incomplete or abandoned. The absence of operating personnel further complicated the situation.

Long-term Inoperability Raises Alarm

At Rajghat Bus Depot, located approximately half a kilometre from the Delhi Secretariat, all charging stations were found to be inactive. Local residents indicated that these chargers had been installed around four years ago and had not been operational for nearly a year. Allegations were made concerning the negligence of the contracting company responsible for the installation and maintenance of the chargers.

EV owners in the Rajghat area reported often needing to travel among various charging stations to find a functioning unit, as many remain out of order. Another nearby charging station on Ring Road in Kashmere Gate revealed that two of the three installed chargers were also inactive. Residents noted that these installations had occurred several years prior and had fallen into disrepair since.

Despite the government’s efforts to encourage environmentally friendly transportation, commuters and EV owners highlight that unreliable charging infrastructure remains a critical issue. There are calls for authorities to not only focus on expanding the charging network but to also ensure regular maintenance and operational efficiency of the existing facilities.

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