Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday notified the J&K Electric Vehicle Policy 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The policy has set a six-year roadmap to expand clean, affordable, and weather-resilient electric mobility across Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesperson said.
The policy, covering the period of 2026-32, aims to accelerate EV adoption, strengthen charging infrastructure and create an enabling ecosystem for electric mobility across all 20 districts of J&K.
It targets 1.40 lakh electric vehicles by 2032, supported by demand incentives, climate-specific infrastructure, power-grid integration, public-private partnerships, skill development and employment generation.
Under the strategic infrastructure roadmap, the policy envisages setting up 900 public charging sites, including 140 fast-charging hubs across urban grids and highway corridors.
It also provides for EV-ready parking, with building by-laws mandating EV-readiness for 20 percent of parking capacity.
Recognising J&K’s distinct climatic conditions, the policy introduces a Specialized Winter Validation Protocol under which EVs will undergo winter-performance validation, particularly for operation in snow and sub-zero conditions.
The framework also seeks managed integration of EV charging demand with the power system.
To encourage adoption, the policy provides three to five per cent interest subvention on EV loans for up to 36 months, with higher support aimed at reducing the cost of EV ownership for eligible beneficiaries.
It also provides scrappage-linked incentives, with an annual budgetary provision of Rs 50 crore to incentivise replacement of old vehicles with cleaner electric vehicles.
The policy further provides early-adopter top-up incentives for the first 15,800 eligible adopters. The incentives include Rs 15 lakh for the first 300 e-buses, Rs 1 lakh for the first 1,500 personal cars and Rs 5,000 for the first 10,000 two-wheelers, subject to the eligibility and conditions prescribed under the policy.
The policy also envisages phase-wise electrification of fleets, expansion of charging networks, greater private-sector participation and development of skilled manpower to support the emerging EV ecosystem.
Abdullah congratulated Transport Minister Satish Sharma and the Transport department on the notification of the J&K Electric Vehicle Policy-2026.
Abdullah said the policy provides a structured framework to advance clean transport, taking into account the specific terrain and cold-weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification marks the formal implementation of the Omar Abdullah-led government’s six-year strategy for transitioning towards cleaner mobility, strengthening supporting infrastructure and creating new opportunities in the electric mobility sector, an official press release said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government has accorded administrative approval for restoration of the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore.
The chief minister said the restoration of the traditional route is aimed at preserving its heritage while strengthening infrastructure and improving facilities for pilgrims undertaking the revered journey.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is among the major pilgrimage destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and abroad every year.
The project will focus on restoration and improvement of the traditional route, with the objective of ensuring a smoother, safer and more convenient pilgrimage experience for devotees while preserving its historical and cultural significance.
The chief minister emphasised that development of pilgrimage infrastructure must go hand in hand with preservation of the heritage and traditional character of important religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir.
