Bescom introduces PM-E DRIVE portal for private Charge Point Operators
With a view to expanding Karnataka’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has initiated the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE
With a view to expanding Karnataka’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has initiated the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme by laying out the framework for establishing public EV charging stations under Category-C. Category-C enables participation by private Charge Point Operators (CPOs). While Category-A includes State and Central government offices, hospitals and government residential complexes, Category-B comprises government-owned or government-managed public locations such as railway stations, Airports Authority of India (AAI)-operated airports, metro stations, public-sector fuel retail outlets, KSRTC/STU bus stations, among others.
Bescom is the State nodal agency for implementing the PM E-DRIVE scheme. A release stated that the scheme, launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, has earmarked ₹2,000 crore for establishing public EV charging stations across the country till March 2028. Under the scheme, Bescom will implement charging stations at government-owned locations, while private CPOs will develop charging infrastructure under Category-C. Apply via portal As part of the framework, Bescom has introduced the PM E-DRIVE portal and a two-stage Expression of Interest (EoI) process.
The first stage involves verifying the technical capability and operational experience of CPOs, while the second stage enables eligible operators to submit proposals for EV charging stations through Bescom’s dedicated online portal. A Bescom official said, “The utility will aggregate eligible proposals and submit them to the Ministry of
Heavy Industries for approval, with up to 800 Category-C charging station locations to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to fulfilment of the scheme guidelines.” “We have also standardised charging station configurations for both urban and highway locations to simplify implementation and subsidy assessment,” the official added.
The BriefWire