J&K Govt Unveils Electric Vehicle Policy-2026 With Six-Year Clean Mobility Roadmap
Srinagar, Oct 1: KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the Electric Vehicle Policy-2026 following approval by the Council of Ministers, laying down a six-year roadmap for expanding clean and affordable electric mobility across all 20 districts of the Union Territory.
The policy provides for a combination of demand-side incentives, financial support, charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, grid integration and skill development, with particular emphasis on adapting electric mobility to J&K’s difficult terrain and cold-weather conditions.
Among the financial measures announced under the policy are interest subvention of up to three per cent, with the support reportedly extending up to five per cent for livelihood segments, an early-adopter top-up support of Rs 84 crore and scrappage incentives of up to Rs 25,000, according to details shared by Transport Minister Satish Sharma.
The policy also envisages a major expansion of public charging infrastructure. The roadmap provides for development of charging sites across the Union Territory, including priority fast-charging facilities and round-the-clock charging hubs, while encouraging greater integration of charging demand with the electricity grid.
A dedicated cold-weather approach has been incorporated into the policy, with specialised winter validation intended to assess EV performance under low-temperature conditions. The framework seeks to ensure that battery performance, charging capability and vehicle operation are tested against the climatic conditions encountered in different parts of J&K.
The policy also provides for phase-wise electrification of government and other public fleets, while encouraging adoption among private vehicle owners, commercial operators and livelihood-linked users such as taxi operators, e-rickshaw drivers and delivery riders.
Infrastructure planning forms another major component, with the government seeking wider availability of charging facilities along key corridors and in urban and semi-urban areas. The policy also envisages EV-ready parking arrangements in new buildings and greater coordination between charging infrastructure and the power system.
The government has further linked the transition to electric mobility with youth skill development and employment generation, with training and capacity-building initiatives proposed to create a workforce capable of supporting EV sales, servicing, charging infrastructure and related activities.
The policy is intended to support a broader transition towards cleaner transportation while taking into account J&K’s geographical, climatic and infrastructure requirements.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Transport Minister Satish Sharma and the Transport Department on the notification of the policy, describing it as a major step towards cleaner and more sustainable transport in Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
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