Ludhiana to Set Up 50 EV Charging Hubs Under 10-Year PPP Model

Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) has initiated plans to establish 50 new electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs under a 10-year public-private partnership (PPP) model. The civic body has floated a tender inviting eligible public sector undertakings to build, operate and maintain the charging infrastructure. The move is aimed at strengthening the city’s EV ecosystem at a time when electric vehicle adoption is steadily increasing across Punjab.

The proposal is significant for urban mobility in Ludhiana, one of North India’s key industrial hubs. Limited charging infrastructure has been cited as a major barrier to wider EV adoption. By expanding public charging access through a structured PPP framework, the municipal corporation intends to accelerate the transition toward cleaner transport options.

Under the proposed model, the selected partner will be responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of the charging stations over a 10-year concession period. The revenue model is designed on a user-pay basis, where EV owners will pay per unit of electricity consumed. The municipal corporation will facilitate land allocation for the hubs and coordinate necessary permissions.

Each charging hub is expected to include a mix of AC and DC fast chargers to support two-wheelers, three-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The design framework also includes provisions for digital payment systems, app-based access, and remote monitoring to ensure operational efficiency. Safety infrastructure such as fire protection systems and surveillance measures is expected to be incorporated.

Officials have indicated that the project may also integrate solar power components wherever feasible to improve sustainability and reduce grid dependence. The inclusion of renewable energy features aligns with broader national and state-level clean mobility objectives.

The PPP structure aims to make the project financially viable without imposing additional fiscal burden on the municipal corporation. In addition to electricity revenue, the concessionaire may be permitted to explore advertising opportunities at charging sites, subject to regulatory norms.

Electric vehicle registrations in Ludhiana have been gradually rising, reflecting growing consumer interest in lower running costs and reduced emissions. However, public charging availability has remained limited compared to demand projections. The proposed 50-hub network is expected to create a more reliable charging grid within the city.

The tender process is currently underway, and the timeline for execution will depend on bidder selection and subsequent approvals. Once implemented, the initiative is expected to support cleaner mobility adoption and reduce reliance on conventional fuel-based transportation in the region.

The project represents a structured step toward urban EV infrastructure expansion, using a long-term partnership model to balance investment, operational efficiency and public accessibility.