KARNATAKA’S CLEAN MOBILITY POLICY 2025-2030: DRIVING THE FUTURE OF CLEAN TRANSPORTATION

GS 3 – Environment

1. Introduction

• Launch and Vision:
  • Launched at the Global Investors’ Meet – Invest Karnataka 2025
  • Aimed at positioning Karnataka as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and a hub for clean mobility innovation in Asia
  • Focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality
  • Attracting ₹50,000 crore in investments and creating one lakh jobs

2. Subsidies and Financial Incentives

• Capital Expenditure Subsidy:
  • Up to 25% subsidy on clean mobility projects
  • Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts eligible for an additional 20% subsidy
• Encouraging Investment:
  • Financial incentives to boost businesses investing in clean transportation

3. Infrastructure Development

• EV Charging Stations:
  • 2,600 new EV charging stations to be established
  • Total of 8,003 stations, supporting over 2.5 lakh registered EVs
  • Strengthening EV infrastructure for seamless adoption

4. Clean Mobility Clusters

• Development of Clusters:
  • Locations: Gauribidanur, Dharwad, and Harohalli
  • Aimed at fostering collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and research centres
  • Encourages innovation in the EV sector

5. Collaboration and Skill Development

• Global Partnerships:
  • Collaborating with international institutions to enhance innovation in clean mobility
• Workforce Development:
  • Expanding EV-focused training programmes in technical institutions
  • Creating a skilled workforce for the clean mobility industry

6. Last-Mile Connectivity

• Electric Rickshaws and Auto-Rickshaws:
  • Promoting adoption for last-mile connectivity, particularly in Bengaluru
  • Integration with public transport systems

7. Public Transport Enhancements

• Improved Services:
  • Expanding shared bus services outside BMTC’s jurisdiction
  • Flexible permit system to enhance short-route services
  • Making public transport more accessible and sustainable

8. Private Transport Initiatives

• Private Vehicle Transition:
  • Promoting the shift to clean mobility vehicles for private transport
  • Encouraging e-commerce companies to replace fleets with electric vehicles by 2030

9. Retrofitting Existing Vehicles

• Vehicle Retrofitting:
  • Existing vehicles can be retrofitted to meet safety and environmental standards
  • Transport Department guidelines for retrofitting approvals

10. Involvement of Private Sector and Schools

• Private Companies and Schools:
  • Encouraging fleets of electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, including school buses and company cars
  • Broader adoption of clean mobility across various sectors

11. Innovation and Research Support

• Tax Exemptions:
  • Exemptions for electric vehicles under the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Act
• Venture Capital Fund:
  • Supporting startups in clean mobility technologies and battery innovations

Mains question

Discuss the various key initiatives in India to promote electric vehicles and sustainable transportation. What role do subsidies, infrastructure development, and collaboration play in its success?