EV Charging Points May Become Mandatory in New Maharashtra Housing Projects

 The Maharashtra government is considering changes to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) to make electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure mandatory in the parking areas of new buildings.

The proposed changes are aimed at ensuring that new residential projects are designed with EV charging facilities from the planning stage. The state’s Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 already requires new buildings to provide charging infrastructure for their parking spaces. 

According to officials, the Transport Department has approached the Urban Development Department seeking amendments to the existing building regulations. Under the proposal, approval for new building projects could be linked to the provision of an adequate plan for EV charging points and stations.

The government is expected to implement the UDCPR changes in the next financial year, following a review of the state’s EV policy later this year. 

Existing Housing Societies May Also Get Support

The proposed framework is not limited to new buildings. Existing housing societies could also install EV charging stations and avail themselves of government incentives.

Officials said that if at least 50% of residents demand space for a common EV charging facility, the housing society could be required to provide suitable space. Such shared charging infrastructure may also qualify for incentives from electricity distribution companies and concessions on certain municipal taxes.

High Installation Costs Remain a Challenge

The cost of upgrading electrical infrastructure is a major concern for housing societies. Existing distribution points may not have sufficient capacity to handle the additional electricity demand from multiple EV chargers.

According to the Transport Department, upgrading a distribution point for a charging station with around 10 charging points can cost approximately ₹40 lakh, making the investment difficult for many existing societies.

The proposed changes are therefore expected to focus on ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is incorporated into new projects at the construction stage, while incentives could help existing societies gradually develop charging facilities.

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