Kerala is moving closer to establishing India’s first state-led electric truck corridor along National Highway 66 (NH-66), a key freight artery connecting ports, industrial hubs and logistics clusters across the state. The initiative aims to cut freight-related emissions while promoting clean and sustainable logistics.
As part of the effort, the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), hosted a high-level workshop bringing together government officials, power utilities, electric vehicle manufacturers and logistics operators. The discussions focused on developing a comprehensive roadmap for electric freight adoption in the state.
During the event, Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty launched a dedicated web portal to facilitate the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme on privately owned land. The portal allows eligible Charge Point Operators to register private land parcels that meet Category C norms, easing land aggregation for charging infrastructure development.
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.
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 the route are expected to increase sharply. Electrification of truck movement along NH-66 is expected to lower emissions, reduce operating costs and improve the competitiveness of Kerala’s export-oriented sectors.
KSEBL Chairman Minhaj Alam said the utility’s role is to translate the national programme into a reliable and scalable charging ecosystem for electric freight vehicles. Officials added that the state will prioritise high-capacity chargers of 120 kW and 240 kW to support long-haul electric trucks.
With this initiative, Kerala aims to set a national benchmark for corridor-based electric freight transition, marking a significant step towards clean mobility and sustainable transportation in India.
