SHILLONG, July 9: The Meghalaya government is exploring ways to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state, in light of increasing traffic congestion and growing concerns over air pollution.
Speaking at a workshop titled ‘Electrifying Shillong: Accelerating EV Adoption & Charging Infrastructure’ on Wednesday, Transport Department Secretary DD Sangma acknowledged that the uptake of EVs in the state has been very slow despite incentives under the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, which is set to expire in March 2026.
He said very few people have taken advantage of the scheme.
“Several challenges are hindering the adoption of EVs, but we must not let this discourage us,” Sangma said. He added that the Transport Department is working to raise awareness and encourage the public to embrace electric mobility.
Expressing optimism, he said he believes that over time, more people will switch to EVs, given the state’s traffic and environmental issues. He emphasised that transitioning to electric mobility requires not just replacing petrol and diesel vehicles, but also investing in human capital.
“If Meghalaya successfully adopts EVs, it will open up opportunities for the local youth in areas like EV diagnostics, battery handling, fleet management, and more,” he said.
Sangma called on technical institutions, skill development agencies, and the private sector to collaborate in building a green jobs ecosystem to support the EV industry. He stressed that the shift to electric mobility is about creating cleaner, quieter, and more accessible urban environments.
“It’s about offering better options to citizens, giving the environment a breather, and unlocking new avenues for economic growth,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Shillong could become a role model for other cities in the Northeast, provided citizens embrace the transition.
Echoing similar views, Assistant Commissioner of Transport A.D. Tyngkan said that electric mobility is no longer just a futuristic idea but a present-day reality. For Shillong, he said, it presents a unique opportunity to re-imagine urban transport more sustainably.
He noted that Shillong’s short travel distances, expanding public transport network, and environmentally aware population make it well-suited for EV adoption, particularly for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and public transport.
Tyngkan, however, underlined the challenges: limited charging infrastructure, high initial costs, and consumer concerns over battery life and maintenance. “These can be addressed through smart policies, targeted investments, and public awareness,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of the workshop, which brought together voices from government, industry, local stakeholders, and experts, including those from CESL Energy, OLA Electric, and local dealers, to help identify demand trends, infrastructure requirements, and actionable strategies.
“Electrification is not just about vehicles. It’s about creating an entire ecosystem of renewable energy sources, battery recycling, digital integration, skilled workforce, and more,” Tyngkan said.
“Shillong has the potential not just to adopt EVs but also to participate in the broader EV value chain by generating local jobs and economic growth,” he said.
While electric mobility has made gradual progress in Shillong over the past five years, Tyngkan pointed out that the ecosystem is still evolving.
The workshop, he said, marks a fresh phase of collaboration between government, industry, academia, and citizens aimed at scaling EV adoption in a way that aligns with Shillong’s specific needs and capabilities.
The event was organised in collaboration with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) and Ernst & Young LLP, with support from the Asian Development Bank.
The session aimed to develop effective strategies for speeding up the electrification of transport in Shillong and establishing a strong EV charging network. It also sought to bring together stakeholders from city and state governments, industry, and development partners to explore the challenges, opportunities, and support systems required to advance EV adoption in the region.
The CESL’s Head of Commercial, Amit Sood, also addressed the gathering during the event.