Railways to host EV chargers at Aligarh station; e-auction on July 22
The North Central Railway (NCR) is moving to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at major stations in its Prayagraj Division, including Aligarh railway station, after floating fresh tenders for the work, according to a Times of India report. The e-auction for awarding contracts has been scheduled for 22 July, and the charging facilities are expected to become operational within six months of allotment.
Railway officials said the administration will provide the necessary space within station premises while the successful bidder will be responsible for developing the infrastructure and installing charging points. The tender follows the cancellation of an earlier procurement process, prompting the fresh invitation for bids.
- Stations named for the initial phase: Prayagraj Junction, Manikpur and Aligarh (Prayagraj Division).
- Facilities to serve both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
- Charging stations will be accessible to rail passengers and other visitors using station parking.
- Each charging point will include an adjoining waiting area, with proposals to develop a cafeteria or lounge.
According to the report, the initiative is part of a broader push by the Indian Railways to promote sustainable transport and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The Prayagraj Division's Public Relations Officer, Amit Kumar Singh, is quoted as saying the project "represents an important step towards environmental conservation and will provide a much-needed facility at railway stations."
“As the number of electric vehicles continues to rise, railway stations will emerge as important charging hubs, benefiting passengers as well as the general public,” the report quoted officials as saying.
Local implications for Aligarh commuters and businesses
For Aligarh — a major city in western Uttar Pradesh with substantial daily passenger footfall — on-site EV charging at the railway station would provide a convenient option for commuters commuting to and from the city by rail. The availability of chargers could particularly benefit daily commuters who use two-wheelers or small electric cars for last-mile connectivity.
Station-based charging may also create ancillary business opportunities. The tender terms envisage a waiting area next to the chargers that can be developed into a small cafeteria or lounge, providing revenue streams for the concessionaire and convenience for vehicle owners during charge cycles.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stations in initial tender | Prayagraj Junction, Manikpur, Aligarh |
| E-auction date | 22 July |
| Operational timeline | Within six months of allotment |
| Users | Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, rail passengers and other visitors |
Officials indicated that the station authority will only provide space; responsibility for equipment, installation, operation and maintenance will lie with the concessionaire. This public–private approach mirrors a common model used by railways and transit bodies for non-fare revenue projects.
Challenges and expectations
Though the announcement is a step towards greener urban transport infrastructure, practical challenges remain. These include ensuring sufficient electrical capacity at station lots, standardising charging interfaces for different vehicle makes, setting consumer-friendly pricing and guaranteeing uptime and maintenance. The tender documents and subsequent concession agreement will clarify technical and commercial responsibilities.
For Aligarh's municipal planners and transport policy makers, station-based charging points can complement other city-level EV infrastructure. If implemented as envisaged, the project could improve first- and last-mile connectivity for rail users and give a further push to EV adoption in the region.
The plan in the Prayagraj Division forms part of a wider Indian Railways drive to develop sustainable facilities at stations nationwide, officials said in the report. The move aligns with national efforts to reduce vehicular emissions and expand the EV charging network across public transit hubs.
