The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MCL) has issued a tender to establish 50 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under a 10-year public-private partnership, in a bid to strengthen the city’s green mobility infrastructure.
With EVs now making up 6% of the city’s vehicle registrations, MCL is introducing a “user-pays” revenue model that aims to make the project self-sustaining while supporting Ludhiana’s transition toward a low-carbon transport hub.
“Ludhiana is a high-traffic strategic hub. The current infrastructure is limited compared to the growing demand for electric cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles,” said an MCL official, highlighting the city’s need for expanded EV infrastructure.
Public Sector Execution
The tender is open exclusively to central and state public-sector undertakings (PSUs). The selected PSU will be responsible for end-to-end execution, including installation of AC and DC chargers, modular battery-swapping points, digital integration with mobile apps, QR/RFID authentication, and online payment systems. All stations are expected to include safety measures such as fire provisions, CCTV surveillance, weatherproof enclosures, and drainage to prevent waterlogging.
The civic body will provide land allocations and coordinate with power distribution companies to ensure stable energy supply.
Revenue and Commercial Model
The project is designed to generate revenue for the municipal corporation, with MCL set to receive a minimum Rs 1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy dispensed. Additional income will come from advertising and space premiums, with a 50-50 revenue split between the concessionaire and MCL.
“It will be a significant step forward for the city to have these stations operational,” said Executive Engineer Raman Kaushal, emphasizing the initiative’s role in preparing Ludhiana for future EV adoption.
Future-Ready EV Hubs
Beyond conventional charging, the hubs are expected to feature IoT-enabled battery lockers and solar-integrated roofs where feasible, aligning with central government incentives to encourage electric mobility. Analysts say the project could make Ludhiana a model city for EV infrastructure in industrial regions.
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