Kolkata, 7th April, 2025 : India Power Corporation Limited, a holistic and sustainable power utility, in collaboration with ChargET, a next-gen EV Charge Point Operator, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art, 24×7 EV charging hub today in the heart of Salt Lake, Sector V. The launch took place in the esteemed presence of Md. Ghulam Rabbani, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal, and Barun Kumar Ray, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources.
Strategically located in Kolkata’s bustling corporate hub, this is currently the only public and commercial EV charging station in the area. ChargET has joined hands with the Snap E Cabs to encourage green mobility in public transport. Notably, the hub is set to be upgraded soon into a solar-powered charging facility, with a planned solar generation capacity of 60 kW. Once upgraded, it is projected to reduce 694 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting 33,000 fully grown trees.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including Y. Ratnakara Rao, IAS, Secretary, Department of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources; B.N. Kar, Executive Officer, Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA); Mayank Bindal, Co-founder and CEO of Snap E; Raghav Raj Kanoria, Managing Director of India Power; and Somesh Dasgupta, Whole-Time Director of India Power.
Occupying 40% of India Power’s Head Office premises in EP Block, Sector V, this cutting-edge EV charging infrastructure can accommodate up to 60 electric vehicles simultaneously. It features two types of charging systems as per user’s needs:
1 Type 2 (Slow Chargers): Ideal for overnight charging, taking approximately 4 hours for a full charge.
2 CCS (Combined Charging System) Fast Chargers: A high-end option, capable of charging vehicles from 0 to 100% in just 1.5 hours.
ChargET already operates 70+ EV chargers across West Bengal, Tripura and Other eastern States and aims to install 10,000 EV chargers by 2030. ChargET has also developed an EV mobile app with over 1,000 active users to locate and book their Charging slots. India Power, meanwhile, stands out as the country’s only Green Utility, sourcing over 80% of its power from renewable sources. This strategic collaboration not only supports the growing EV ecosystem in Kolkata but also aligns with India’s broader vision of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
Barun Kumar Ray, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources said, “India Power Corporation Limited has taken a meaningful step by enabling solar-based EV charging, demonstrating how legacy energy providers can lead the transition toward sustainability. We have invoked the power of the sun to charge vehicles—this is more than innovation, it’s our commitment to reducing global warming and building a cleaner tomorrow.” He further added, “Our office has already implemented Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Earlier, we generated around 12 to 15 kW, but with BIPV panels, we’re now producing up to 30 kW—enough to meet all our energy needs. If every office in Sector V adopts this model, the cumulative clean energy output would be remarkable. It’s time we become ‘prosumers’—both producers and consumers of energy. What we are inaugurating today, thanks to India Power, may seem like a small initiative, but it is a symbolic and valuable step. It points the younger generation toward the very changes we need in our lives—switching to non-polluting, electric alternatives.”
Md. Ghulam Rabbani, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal said, “The inauguration of this electric vehicle charging station marks more than just a technological upgrade — it represents our collective vision for a future where sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. As we face the urgent realities of climate change, every step we take — no matter how small — becomes part of a larger movement toward a cleaner planet. This initiative reflects our commitment not only to reducing emissions, but also to inspiring our community to embrace renewable energy and drive meaningful change together. We are deeply inspired by the vision and leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, whose unwavering commitment to sustainable development has laid the foundation for projects like these. Her focus on green infrastructure and clean energy continues to guide our efforts toward a cleaner, greener Bengal.”
Manya Kanoria, Founder & Director of ChargET, shared, “ChargET a young startup incorporated with a mission & vision of Green Energy by its CoFounders Mr Achal Agarwal & Mr Adhyyan Kanoria is among the first public and fleet EV charging networks in the region, born from a passion for clean energy and entrepreneurship. We plan to empower our current and future setups with solar energy. As a young startup, our mission is to empower West Bengal’s transition to a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.”
Raghav Raj Kanoria, Managing Director of India Power said, “This collaboration is more than a business alliance—it’s a strategic leap toward building resilient, sustainable cities. By offering critical green infrastructure at one of Kolkata’s busiest corporate zones, we are not only supporting the EV ecosystem but also contributing directly to India’s net-zero emission goals. We are committed to reducing carbon footprints, promoting green mobility, and fostering community development by creating new job opportunities in installation, maintenance, and customer service.”
Somesh Dasgupta, Whole-Time Director, India Power, added, “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to India’s clean energy transition. As the only Green Utility in the country, we supply over 80% of our power from renewable sources and are pioneering energy storage solutions. Our entry into EV infrastructure is a natural extension of our green leadership. Our efforts have earned us an A rating in the 13th Integrated Rating of DISCOMs—a testament to our performance and sustainability focus.”
Though it may appear modest on the surface, this initiative holds tremendous promise. It demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate climate action and provide scalable models for sustainable development.
As India’s EV market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 44% between 2023 and 2030, this collaboration exemplifies India Power and ChargET’s contribution to the country’s green mobility revolution.
