Business

₹2,000 Crore Set Aside to Establish 72,000 Public EV Charging Stations Across India

Published

1 year ago

May 22, 2025

The Prime Minister’s E-Drive scheme, with an investment of ₹2,000 crore, aims to establish approximately 72,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation, as announced by the government on Wednesday. These stations will be strategically located along 50 national highway corridors and in high-traffic areas such as metro cities, toll plazas, railway stations, airports, fuel stations, and state highways, according to a statement from the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, recently chaired an inter-ministerial coordination meeting to enhance the implementation of EV charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive scheme.

Launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the scheme seeks to create a nationwide EV-friendly environment, promoting cleaner transportation and decreasing India’s reliance on fossil fuels. “India is on the path to becoming a global leader in sustainable transport. The PM E-Drive scheme is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide our citizens with clean, affordable, and convenient mobility solutions. We are not merely constructing infrastructure; we are laying the groundwork for energy security and green economic growth,” said Kumaraswamy.

The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in realizing this initiative. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is being considered the nodal agency for demand aggregation and the development of a comprehensive digital super app that will serve as a centralized platform for EV users across India.

The app will offer features such as real-time slot booking, payment integration, charger availability updates, and dashboards for tracking national deployment under the PM E-Drive scheme. BHEL will also work with states and ministries to compile and assess proposals for charger installations.

“A successful clean energy transition cannot happen in isolation. This meeting underscores our commitment to a unified governmental approach. All ministries, public sector enterprises, and states are aligned to achieve tangible outcomes. We are confident that the PM E-Drive will stimulate new industries, create green jobs, and provide seamless electric mobility for every Indian,” Kumaraswamy added.

Business

Opendoor Shuts Down India Operations, 250 Employees Affected

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: US-based real estate technology company Opendoor has decided to close its operations in India. The move will impact nearly 250 employees.

CEO Kaz Nejatian said the company is bringing operational roles closer to its customers in the United States. He explained that most of Opendoor’s customers are based in America.

The company said the decision is not related to the performance of its India team. Nejatian praised the employees for their hard work and contributions.

Affected workers will receive severance pay, job placement support, and other assistance. A small number of employees will stay temporarily to help with the transition.

Opendoor said it will continue focusing on simplifying operations and improving efficiency with new technology and AI.

Business

Domestic LPG Cylinder Price Increased by Rs 29

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: The price of domestic LPG cooking gas cylinders has been increased by Rs 29 across India. This is the second price hike in the last three months.

The increase comes as global energy prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

After the revision, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 942 in Delhi, Rs 941.40 in Mumbai, Rs 968 in Kolkata, and Rs 957.50 in Chennai. In Bengaluru, the new price is Rs 944.50 per cylinder.

The government said the cost of supplying LPG has increased significantly. However, subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continue to help over 10 crore beneficiaries.

Petrol, diesel, and CNG prices have also increased in recent weeks as global fuel markets remain volatile.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

WATCH VIDEO:

The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.