Meghalaya approves EV Policy 2026, announces Rs 25,000 incentive for electric vehicle buyers

The Meghalaya Cabinet on July 27 approved the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026, under which the state government will provide a Rs 25,000 incentive to every individual purchasing an electric vehicle to promote clean and sustainable transportation.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak said the policy is aimed at encouraging people to adopt environment-friendly modes of transport. In addition to the financial incentive, the government has decided to completely waive registration fees for electric vehicles.

"The Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2026. To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, every buyer will receive an incentive of Rs 25,000. Registration fees for electric vehicles will also be fully waived," Marak said.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the services of B.M. War, retired Chief Engineer (Civil) of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), as Chief Technical Advisor (Generation).

The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 22.37 crore towards land compensation for the construction of a 6.5-km-long 132 KV transmission line connecting the existing 220/132 KV Secondary Sub-Station to the proposed 132/33 KV, 2×50 MVA Mawkhanu Sub-Station. The approved amount includes compensation for the Right of Way (RoW) required beneath the transmission corridor.

The state government said the decisions are expected to strengthen Meghalaya's power infrastructure while promoting clean and sustainable mobility through greater adoption of electric vehicles.

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the transformation of the New Shillong Township Development Agency into the New Shillong Development Authority (NSDA) through amendments to the New Township Development Agency Rules, 2012.

The move is expected to strengthen urban planning, governance and infrastructure development in New Shillong by providing the new authority with greater institutional powers to oversee the city's planned expansion and sustainable development.

The government said the establishment of the NSDA marks a significant step towards building a modern, well-planned and sustainable urban centre for the people of Meghalaya.