PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 6 -- Prayagraj is set to significantly expand its clean mobility network, with plans underway to establish 13 new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city. According to officials, the tender process for the stations is underway. The facilities will be developed under the Centre's "PM E-Drive Scheme (Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement)" and the Uttar Pradesh EV Manufacturing and Mobility Policy-2022. They will cater to the growing number of electric vehicles, including electric buses, and improve charging accessibility for private EV users, officials said. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) regional manager Ravindra Kumar said Prayagraj currently has three EV charging stations, one at Naini and two at Rajapur. With the number of electric buses expected to increase, the charging network is being expanded. Besides the proposed public charging stations, additional charging facilities are also being developed through the public-private partnership (PPP) model to encourage citizens to use environment-friendly electric vehicles, he said. With more than 4.14 lakh registered electric vehicles, the state has the highest EV count in the country, underscoring the need for a robust public charging network. In the first phase of the programme, 238 public EV charging stations with a total of 714 chargers will be established across the state, with Prayagraj among the selected districts. Each station will be operated and maintained under a 10-year contract, the official added. Officials said charging stations built on government land will be used exclusively for EV charging....