Chandigarh Unveils EV Portal, Advances Solar Energy Oversight and Innovation

The Chandigarh administration has launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Portal — www.chandigarhev.com — aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility for EV users in the Union Territory. The portal allows eligible residents to apply online for subsidies under the Chandigarh EV Policy, track the status of their applications in real-time, and view a location-based map of all public EV charging stations, integrated with Google Maps for easy navigation. The launch was announced during a meeting of the governing body of CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society), chaired by UT chief secretary Rajeev Verma. During the session, officials highlighted a major achievement: Chandigarh has successfully installed solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems across all government buildings, marking a significant step toward its clean energy goals. To ensure the continued effectiveness of its solar infrastructure, the administration has directed CREST to conduct third-party audits for SPV projects that have been operational for over five years. These audits aim to strengthen accountability and promote long-term sustainability of solar assets. The meeting also discussed the evaluation of technically innovative projects such as installing SPV systems over cycle tracks. The chief secretary stressed that such proposals must be thoroughly assessed for feasibility, performance, and aesthetics in consultation with the UT chief architect. Overall, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Chandigarh into a model city for renewable energy adoption and sustainable urban mobility.