Bihar unveils green mobility push with EV subsidies and fuel-saving measures

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to minimise the use of vehicles to save diesel and petrol, the Bihar government has announced several measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting electric vehicles (EVs).

In a post on X, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said a decision has been taken to reduce the number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s convoy to the minimum possible. Ministers, chairpersons and members of corporation boards, officials and public representatives have also been urged to attend public programmes without additional vehicles.

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The state government has appealed to people to make greater use of public transport, including metro services, buses, autos and other modes of shared transportation.

All government departments have been directed to ensure that conferences and official meetings are conducted through video conferencing wherever possible. Instructions have also been issued to minimise the use of palm oil in canteens operating in government offices across the state.

Government and private offices have been advised to encourage a work-from-home culture, while citizens have been urged to observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government has also decided to ensure that 30 per cent of vehicles in operation are electric vehicles by 2030.

Bihar Transport Minister Damodar Rawat said the government aims to achieve 15 per cent EV penetration by 2028, with another 15 per cent to be added by 2030. To support this transition, the Cabinet has approved a series of incentives for EV buyers.

According to the minister, buyers of electric three-wheelers will receive an incentive of Rs 50,000. Women purchasing electric scooters will receive Rs 12,000, while general category buyers will get Rs 10,000. Buyers from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will also receive Rs 12,000.

Rawat further said buyers of commercial electric vehicles would receive an incentive of Rs 50,000, while those belonging to SC/ST categories would receive Rs 60,000.

The minister added that, with the expected rise in EV usage, the government has also approved incentives for setting up EV charging stations.