Kolkata Police to set up 25 EV charging stations across city for fleet expansion

In a major push towards greener policing, Kolkata Police has approved the installation of 25 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city to support its expanding fleet. The initiative, cleared by the Lalbazar Police Headquarters, aims to ensure that police EVs no longer need to travel long distances for charging, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Approximately ₹2.5 crore has been allocated for the project, and the tender process has already begun to expedite execution. Authorities have set a target to complete construction within the next few months. Locations have been strategically finalised to ensure easy access for patrol vehicles operating across different divisions.

The proposed charging stations will be around 9 feet tall and 5 feet wide, equipped with fast-charging technology to enable quick turnaround. These units will primarily be installed near police stations, traffic guard headquarters and divisional offices. Identified locations include Patuli, Taratala, Alipore, Maniktala and East Jadavpur police stations, along with the Thakurpukur Traffic Guard and the Traffic Training School in Tala.

Police sources indicated that while electric vehicles were inducted into the force earlier, charging infrastructure remained limited to Lalbazar. Vehicles stationed in distant areas had to return to headquarters for charging, leading to loss of time and energy. The decentralised charging network is expected to resolve this bottleneck.

The department is steadily increasing the number of EVs in its fleet, with estimates suggesting that around 250 electric vehicles will soon be in service. Officials believe the move will help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and significantly lower annual fuel expenses, marking a step toward smarter and more sustainable policing.