Kerala Advances India’s First State-Led Electric Truck Corridor on NH-66

By Admin

18 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Kerala is moving closer to establishing India’s first state-led electric truck corridor along National Highway 66 (NH-66), a crucial freight artery connecting ports, industrial hubs, and logistics clusters across the state. The initiative is aimed at reducing freight-related emissions while promoting clean, efficient, and sustainable logistics.

Building a Roadmap for Electric Freight
As part of this effort, the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), hosted a high-level workshop that brought together government officials, power utilities, electric vehicle manufacturers, and logistics operators. The discussions focused on developing a comprehensive roadmap for electric freight adoption in Kerala, addressing infrastructure needs, policy support, and operational readiness.

PM E-DRIVE Portal and Land Aggregation
During the event, Kerala’s Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty launched a dedicated web portal to support the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme on privately owned land. The portal enables eligible Charge Point Operators to register private land parcels that meet Category C norms, simplifying land aggregation and accelerating the development of charging infrastructure across the corridor.

Central Support and Kerala’s Early Lead
Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the central government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore to support electric truck and bus charging infrastructure along national and state highways. Kerala has emerged as an early mover under the programme and was among the first states to submit land proposals to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, positioning itself at the forefront of electric freight transition.

Why NH-66 Matters
NH-66 is Kerala’s principal freight corridor, handling industrial goods, port cargo, and construction materials. With the expansion of Vizhinjam Port and rising coastal industrial activity, freight volumes on this route are expected to grow sharply. Electrifying truck movement along NH-66 is expected to significantly lower emissions, reduce operating costs for logistics operators, and enhance the competitiveness of Kerala’s export-oriented sectors.

Charging Infrastructure and Power Readiness
KSEBL Chairman Minhaj Alam highlighted that the utility’s role is to translate the national programme into a reliable and scalable charging ecosystem for electric freight vehicles. State officials confirmed that Kerala will prioritise high-capacity chargers of 120 kW and 240 kW to support long-haul electric trucks and ensure seamless corridor operations.

Setting a National Benchmark
With the NH-66 electric truck corridor, Kerala aims to set a national benchmark for corridor-based electric freight transition. The initiative marks a significant step toward clean mobility and sustainable transportation in India, showcasing how coordinated state action, central support, and industry participation can drive the future of green logistics.