SRINAGAR 10 Jul : Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday inaugurated the Union Territory’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, describing the initiative as a significant step towards achieving Ladakh’s goal of becoming carbon neutral and urging people to adopt electric mobility.
Five EV charging stations have been established at the main bus stand in Leh, Tia Rong, Solar Colony, Chuchot Shamma and Khaltsi. Officials said a sixth station near Magnetic Hill in Leh is in the final stages of completion.
According to officials, the charging network has been developed to promote electric mobility by providing charging infrastructure for residents as well as tourists travelling across the high-altitude region.
Each station is equipped with two fast-charging guns capable of charging electric vehicles up to 80 per cent within 30 minutes to one hour. The facilities are also fitted with advanced fire safety systems and emergency shutdown mechanisms, officials said.
Addressing the inaugural event, Saxena termed the launch a historic milestone in Ladakh’s transition towards clean energy and sustainable transportation.
He said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making Ladakh a carbon-neutral region through greater use of clean energy while protecting its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“The inauguration of these EV charging stations reflects our unwavering commitment to clean energy, sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible development. Ladakh’s fragile ecology demands that we adopt technologies that minimise pollution and reduce carbon emissions,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Appealing to the people of Ladakh, Saxena urged residents to gradually shift from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, saying the transition would help reduce pollution and preserve the Union Territory’s unique ecological heritage.
