In a significant move towards fostering sustainable transportation, the Bihar Government has given its nod to the Bihar Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy-2023. The primary objective of this policy is to achieve a substantial 15% share of electric vehicles (EVs) in all vehicle registrations across the state by the year 2028.

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The decision was made during a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Addressing the media after the meeting, S Siddharth, the additional chief secretary (cabinet secretariat), highlighted that the policy aims to expedite the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering incentives for their purchase and establishing a robust charging infrastructure.

This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in addressing environmental pollution and enhancing fuel security.

"The Bihar Electric Vehicle Policy-2023 sets ambitious goals for the next five years, culminating in 2028, charting a path towards a sustainable transport paradigm," stated Siddharth.

To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the policy introduces several measures, including subsidies on Motor Vehicle (MV) Tax of up to 75% and purchase incentives of up to Rs 1.25 lakh for the first 1,000 personal four-wheeler EVs. Similar benefits are extended to the first 10,000 personal two-wheeler EVs, with subsidies on motor vehicle tax of up to 75% and purchase incentives up to Rs 10,000.

The policy places a strong emphasis on improving environmental quality by addressing air pollution and simultaneously aims to stimulate startups and investments in the electric mobility sector and its associated support industries.

Furthermore, the policy promotes the use of renewable energy for EV charging stations, setting approved tariff rates for high tension EV charging stations at Rs 8/KvA for the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, provisions for incentives related to scrapping EVs and their components are outlined in the policy.

In a parallel development, the state cabinet also gave its approval to the transport department's proposal to acquire 400 electric buses under the "PM-e Bus Sewa" program. These buses, slated to operate in districts such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Purnea, aim to reduce reliance on conventional petrol and diesel-powered public transport. The cabinet also greenlit the revised budget estimates of Rs 95 crore for the construction of two auditoria with a seating capacity of 2000 each in West and East Champaran districts.

(With input from PTI)