J&K notifies Electric Vehicle Policy; sets target of 1.40 lakh EVs, 900 charging sites by 2032

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, Oct 1: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has notified the Jammu & Kashmir Electric Vehicle Policy-2026, setting a six-year roadmap for expanding electric mobility across the Union Territory.

The policy, covering the period 2026–32, was approved by the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. It aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, expand charging infrastructure and establish an ecosystem for cleaner and more affordable mobility across all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir.

The policy targets 1.40 lakh electric vehicles by 2032, with measures covering demand incentives, charging infrastructure, power-grid integration, public-private partnerships, skill development and employment generation.

900 public charging sites planned

Under its infrastructure roadmap, the policy envisages 900 public charging sites, including 140 fast-charging hubs along urban grids and highway corridors.

It also provides for EV-ready parking. Building bye-laws will mandate EV-readiness for 20 per cent of parking capacity.

The policy proposes phase-wise electrification of vehicle fleets, expansion of charging networks and greater participation of the private sector in developing the EV ecosystem.

Special provisions for winter conditions

Given Jammu & Kashmir’s climatic conditions, the policy introduces a Specialized Winter Validation Protocol under which EVs will undergo performance validation for operation in snow and sub-zero temperatures.

The framework also provides for managed integration of EV charging demand with the power system, with the aim of accommodating increased electricity demand from vehicle charging.

Interest subsidy and scrappage incentives

To encourage EV adoption, the policy provides 3–5 per cent interest subvention on EV loans for up to 36 months, subject to the eligibility conditions specified in the policy.

It also introduces scrappage-linked incentives, backed by an annual budgetary provision of ₹50 crore, to encourage replacement of older vehicles with electric vehicles.

Early-adopter incentives

The policy provides additional incentives for the first 15,800 eligible adopters.

These include:

• ₹15 lakh for the first 300 e-buses

• ₹1 lakh for the first 1,500 personal electric cars

• ₹5,000 for the first 10,000 electric two-wheelers

The incentives will be available subject to the eligibility criteria and other conditions prescribed under the policy.

Focus on jobs and skills

The government said the policy also seeks to develop skilled manpower for the emerging electric mobility sector, alongside encouraging private investment and creating new employment opportunities.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Transport Minister Satish Sharma and the Transport Department on the notification of the policy.

Omar said the policy provides a structured framework for advancing clean transport while taking into account the terrain and cold-weather conditions of Jammu & Kashmir.

The notification formally operationalises the government’s six-year strategy for transitioning towards cleaner mobility, strengthening supporting infrastructure and developing the wider electric vehicle ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.