Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya has officially replaced its 2021 guidelines with the Electric Vehicle Policy 2026. This move aims to slash fossil fuel reliance and scrub the air. It will stay in force for three years. The state recorded 6.53 lakh vehicles as of June 2026, though only 2,500 run on electric power. Now, the government wants to shift private cars, buses, and commercial fleets to electric motors.
Buyers get help. The policy provides purchase incentives, registration fee waivers, and motor vehicle tax exemptions. Cash goes to those who act fast. Benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Two-wheelers with an ex-factory price under Rs 1.75 lakh qualify, with a 2,000-vehicle cap for both private and commercial owners. Electric four-wheelers priced up to Rs 35 lakh earn private buyers Rs 25,000 and commercial buyers Rs 50,000.
Cash rewards exist for retiring clunkers. Owners scrapping BS-IV or older vehicles get extra money. Two-wheeler owners receive Rs 10,000, while three-wheeler scrappers get Rs 25,000. For four-wheelers, incentives hit Rs 50,000 for private owners and Rs 2 lakh for commercial fleets. According to the document, the initiative aims to support the "growth of electric mobility businesses while creating opportunities for investment and employment across Meghalaya."
Infrastructure is the next piece of the puzzle. The Transport Department will work with the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited to map out charging stations and battery-swapping sites. Public charging stations will receive electricity at government-notified tariffs. Investors can secure land leases or use the Invest Meghalaya Portal to fast-track permits.
Start-ups can tap into the UNNATI 2024 or MIIPP 2024 schemes for additional support. The Commissioner of Transport will oversee the rollout. A new State Level Committee will verify all claims and handle disputes. Applicants must use the Meghalaya EV Subsidy Portal to request funds once operational guidelines go live.
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