Automobile Desk: Now preparations have been completed to reduce the noise and smoke of petrol and diesel vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir. The state government has given the green signal to its new 'J&K Electric Vehicle Policy-2026'. This policy has been formally implemented after getting approval from the cabinet led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Its main objective is to curb vehicle pollution in the state and to divert people towards environment-friendly vehicles. The government's target is to have about 1.40 lakh new electric vehicles on the roads in the state by 2032.
Charging point will be available in every corner
To promote e-vehicles, the first requirement is charging. That is why the government is going to create more than 900 public charging points covering all 20 districts in the next six years. Of these, 140 will be fast charging hubs, where vehicles can be charged quickly. These stations will be installed not only in big cities, but also on main highways and traffic routes, so that there is no shortage of charging during the journey.
Changes in building rules decided
To strengthen this entire charging network, the government is also going to make changes in the construction rules of the city. Now at least 20 percent space in the parking of newly constructed commercial complexes and big buildings will be kept such that EV charging facility can be easily provided in future.
Exam will be taken even in minus temperature
The climate of the valley is quite different from the rest of the country. In winter, the temperature here goes below zero, which has a direct impact on the battery of the vehicles and their range. For this reason, a special 'Winter Validation Protocol' has been added to the policy. Under this, any EV model will be tested in snowfall and bone-chilling cold before launching it in the state. From this it will be seen how long the battery lasts in extreme cold and how much effect cabin heating has on it.
Loan discount and plan to remove old vehicles
In order to increase the inclination of people to buy electric vehicles, the government will give subsidy of 3 to 5 percent on the interest on bank loans. This help will be available on loans up to a maximum of 3 years (36 months). Besides, scrapping will also be promoted to remove old and smoke emitting vehicles from the roads. For this, the government has kept a separate budget of Rs 50 crore every year.
Bumper benefits for early customers
A separate 'top-up incentive' has been kept for those who will adopt electric vehicles in the beginning. The initial 15,800 buyers will directly benefit from:
Discount of up to Rs 15 lakh for those purchasing the first 300 e-buses.
Relief of up to Rs 1 lakh for the first 1,500 private e-car buyers.
Benefit of Rs 5,000 for the first 10,000 e-two-wheeler customers.
New doors of employment will also open
This entire scheme is not limited to just selling vehicles. The government's emphasis is on creating a complete structure that will provide work to the local youth. Local youth will be linked with employment by training them in operation of charging stations, maintenance and repair of vehicles.