New Delhi, July 28: The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced on Tuesday that the central government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile and auto component industry has attracted an investment of ₹44,326 crore as of March 31, 2026. This amount exceeds the investment target of ₹42,500 crore set for March 2027.
Launched on September 23, 2021, with a budget provision of ₹25,938 crore, this PLI scheme aims to promote the manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products and establish India as a global manufacturing hub.
According to the ministry, selected companies under the scheme have reported a cumulative investment of ₹44,326 crore, surpassing the set target. This has accelerated the production of advanced automobile technology in the country.
Regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the ministry noted that under the FAME-II scheme, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) have approved 482 public EV charging stations in West Bengal, with 463 stations operational as of July 1, 2026.
However, the ministry stated that no formal assessment has been conducted to determine whether the existing charging network in West Bengal is sufficient.
The ministry also reported that the proposal sent by the West Bengal government under the PM e-Drive scheme did not include a charging station for Mathurapur. However, proposals have been made to establish five public charging stations in Canning, Bakkhali, Diamond Harbour, Kakdwip, and Namkhana in the South 24 Parganas district.
The government clarified that no financial assistance has been released to West Bengal under the PM e-Drive scheme so far.
According to the ministry, ₹912.50 crore has been allocated under the FAME-II scheme for establishing public EV charging stations nationwide, along with ₹2,000 crore under the PM e-Drive scheme. However, this funding is designated for the entire country and is not allocated separately to any state.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries reiterated that establishing EV charging stations is a license-free activity. Therefore, government agencies, private companies, and other institutions can set up, operate, and maintain EV charging stations across the country without any license.
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