Bengaluru: In a major boost to Karnataka’s electric mobility drive, the state-owned Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is gearing up to install 70 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along key national and state highways, making long-distance EV travel smoother and more convenient across the state.

According to Energy Department officials, the initiative will cover the Bengaluru–Belagavi National Highway (NH-48) and several other toll points statewide, forming part of a larger plan to create an extensive EV corridor network that connects major routes and destinations.

BESCOM Managing Director Shivashankar N said the company is committed to ensuring that electric mobility becomes a seamless experience for travelers in Karnataka.

“With the installation of EV charging stations along highways, at tourist destinations, and key public locations, we are ensuring that range anxiety becomes a thing of the past. This initiative is not just about convenience. It is about accelerating the state's transition to clean energy, promoting sustainable tourism, and building a green transport ecosystem for the future,” Shivashankar told PTI.

He added that the effort is part of a broader vision to make long-distance EV travel more practical and to build the infrastructure required for Karnataka’s rapidly expanding electric mobility sector.

A senior BESCOM official noted that Karnataka already leads the nation in EV charging infrastructure, boasting 5,960 operational public charging stations—the highest among all Indian states.

“The new toll-based network will plug crucial connectivity gaps between major cities and economic zones, making electric travel a realistic option beyond city limits,” the official said.

Over the years, Karnataka has established a strong foundation for e-mobility. BESCOM has previously launched India’s first solar-powered EV hub featuring second-life batteries near Kempegowda International Airport and developed the EV Mithra mobile app, which allows users to locate and access charging points across the state.

These initiatives, the official said, have helped Karnataka achieve an EV penetration rate of over 11 per cent, compared to the national average of around 9 per cent.

Officials also pointed out that BESCOM’s public EV charging tariff remains among the lowest in India, encouraging both individual and commercial users to switch from fossil fuels to electric alternatives.

Under the new pilot project, BESCOM plans to install 30 charging stations at state highway toll points—pending approval from the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Board—and 40 more stations along 10 national highways, subject to clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The upcoming installations along the Bengaluru–Belagavi stretch and 30 other state highways will be carried out by the Energy Department as part of its green mobility expansion plan. Once completed, the network is expected to transform Karnataka’s highways into a continuous electric corridor linking industrial hubs, tourist routes, and border trade zones.

Explaining further, another official said that under the PM-E Drive initiative, the state government is also setting up charging stations at major tourist destinations. These include Mayura Hotels operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Jungle Lodges & Resorts, and prominent temples managed by the Religious Endowment Department, which attract large numbers of visitors.

According to BESCOM sources, some of the state highways identified for the installation include Halebid–Anechukur, Birur–Davanagere, Bagalkot–Biligiri Rangana Betta, Padubidri–Chikalgud, Haveri–Sagar, and Jath–Jamboti.