A total of 21 electric vehicles (EV) charging stations were installed in six districts of Bhutan, making driving of electric vehicles drive even easier now, one of the first countries in South Asia to show such environmental advancement in combating pollution. Eleven fast chargers and 10 semi-fast chargers have been made operational in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Chukha, and Haa districts. 

A small inauguration ceremony in presence of Bhutan’s Information and Communications Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi and United Nations Development Program Resident Azusa Kobuta was held for the public charging station in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. 

Four charging stations, two each in Phuentsholing and Paro district, are yet to be completed, reported Kuensel. Minister Wangdi claimed the delay in the completion was because of several border restrictions placed in the wake of the Covid-19. Electric equipment needed for the project couldn’t be imported on time from Kolkata. 

“However, we expect to resume the remaining work soon,” he assured. 

In capital Thimphu, two charging stations are installed in Changlingmithang, one each in the vicinity of Lungtenzampa and Jigme Namgyal LSS, and Centenary Farmers’ Market. A charging station each is set up in Haa town, Bajo, Khuruthang, and Gedu area. 

In Paro, one charging station is installed in old taxi parking. 

The government in the 12th Five Year Plan has approved $1 million funds for installing EV charging stations across major cities in a country known for its environmental consciousness and seen globally as a model of sustainable development with 70 per cent green cover, one of the world's highest. 

(SAM)