By Kavita Mistry 
India is set to transform nearly 5,500 km of key national highways into electric highways (e-highways) under the National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) programme. The project, rolled out in a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will connect Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, and Kolkata-Kanyakumari with world-class EV-ready infrastructure.
Charging & Roadside Assistance Infrastructure
According to Abhijeet Sinha, programme director at NHEV, the project’s focus is on creating robust charging and roadside support. Stations will be established every 50 km, each equipped with 36 chargers, 3,200 kWh capacity, EV service centres, clean toilets, lounges, and food courts. Roadside assistance and ambulances will be auto-triggered within 30 minutes in case of breakdowns.
Smart Infrastructure with IoT Integration
The “e” in e-highways also stands for “electronic.” IoT-enabled V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) systems with cameras and sensors will be integrated to improve traffic monitoring, law enforcement, and emergency response. Unlike Germany’s overhead catenary wire system, India’s model will be entirely based on advanced charging stations.
Commercial & Logistics Opportunities
Each NHEV station will double up as a logistics hub, enabling last-mile deliveries within a 50-mile radius and providing space for local produce sales. This model is expected to create new delivery jobs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Investment Model & Profitability
The PPP structure will see ownership split among PSUs, private companies, individuals, and state governments. Each station, costing ₹40–50 crore, is expected to break even in 40 months, thanks to diversified revenue streams from charging, logistics, retail outlets, and advertising. No government subsidy will be required.
Boosting EV Adoption
India aims for 30% EV penetration in private cars, 70% in commercial vehicles, and 80% in two- and three-wheelers by 2030. With EV sales rising 29% year-on-year in June 2025, the e-highway project is expected to ease adoption barriers, especially for commercial vehicles, and address the charger-to-EV gap—currently at 1:235 compared to 1:7–15 in global markets.