Meghalaya notifies electric vehicle policy
Shillong, Oct 19: The government has notified the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2026.
The policy introduces a framework of purchase incentives, exemptions on motor vehicle tax and registration fees, scrappage incentives, charging infrastructure development and investment facilitation to promote the adoption of electric vehicles across Meghalaya.
The policy aims to establish a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem that supports environmental sustainability, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, improves air quality and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, private investment and employment generation.
According to the policy, Meghalaya had approximately 6.53 lakh registered vehicles as of June 2026, including over 2,500 electric vehicles. With road transport serving as the primary mode of movement for people and goods, the State Government seeks to expand electric mobility across private and commercial transportation, public transport, tourism, shared mobility and first-mile and last-mile connectivity.
The new policy builds on the foundation established by the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021, and seeks to strengthen EV adoption through fiscal incentives, infrastructure development, institutional support and private-sector participation. It will remain in force for three years from the date of notification in the Official Gazette and will supersede the 2021 policy.
The policy provides purchase incentives for eligible electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers, subject to prescribed eligibility conditions, availability of funds and category-wise vehicle limits. The incentives will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For electric two-wheelers, the policy prescribes an ex-factory price ceiling of Rs 1.75 lakh. Separate incentives are provided for private and commercial electric two-wheelers, with a category-wise limit of 2,000 vehicles each.
Commercial electric three-wheelers, including electric auto-rickshaws and goods carriers, are also covered under the policy. The category has a vehicle limit of 500 units, with incentives intended to encourage the adoption of electric mobility in commercial and shared transport services.
For electric four-wheelers, the policy sets an ex-factory price ceiling of Rs 35 lakh. Private electric four-wheelers are eligible for a purchase incentive of Rs 25,000, while commercial electric four-wheelers are eligible for Rs 50,000. Each category has a limit of 3,000 vehicles.
The incentives will be subject to the prescribed procedures and conditions notified by the Transport Department.
In addition to purchase incentives, eligible electric vehicles registered in Meghalaya during the policy period will be entitled to exemptions on motor vehicle tax and registration fees, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Transport Department.
The exemptions cover eligible private and commercial two-wheelers, four-wheelers, three-wheelers and electric buses.
These measures are intended to reduce the upfront cost of purchasing electric vehicles and encourage individuals, businesses and fleet operators to transition towards cleaner modes of transport.
To encourage fleet modernisation and the replacement of older, more polluting vehicles, the policy introduces scrappage incentives for eligible beneficiaries who purchase new electric vehicles after scrapping qualifying end-of-life vehicles.
The incentives include:
·Electric two-wheelewholesalersrs: Ra 10,000, limited to the first 400 applicants.
Electric three-wheelers: Rs 25,000, limited to the first 50 eligible applicants.
Private electric four-wheelers: Rs 50,000, limited to the first 300 eligible applicants.
Commercial electric four-wheelers: Rs2 lakh, limited to the first 300 eligible applicants.
The scrappage incentives apply to qualifying BS-IV and earlier vehicles registered in Meghalaya and scrapped through an authorised Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility. The applicant must be the registered owner of the vehicle being scrapped in Meghalaya.
A major component of the policy is the development of a reliable, accessible and geographically distributed network of electric vehicle charging stations and battery-swapping facilities across the state.
The Transport Department will be responsible for planning, coordinating and facilitating the development of this infrastructure in collaboration with relevant departments and agencies, including the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), Tourism Department, Urban Affairs Department, Public Works Department, local bodies and other stakeholders.
The coordinated approach will cover the identification of suitable locations, assessment of electricity requirements and phased deployment of charging and battery-swapping facilities. Electricity supplied to public EV charging stations will be charged at tariff rates notified by the competent authority from time to time.
The policy seeks to attract private investment and encourage the establishment of electric mobility-related businesses in Meghalaya. To facilitate investment in public charging stations, the Government may make suitable Government land available on lease or through other notified arrangements, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
Applications for charging stations, battery-swapping facilities and other eligible electric mobility projects may be facilitated through the Meghalaya Single Window System operated through the Invest Meghalaya Portal. The mechanism is intended to support approvals, clearances and investor facilitation for eligible projects.
Green mobility enterprises, start-ups, private investors and other business entities will be encouraged to establish operations in the State. Eligible enterprises may also avail benefits under applicable Government of India and State Government schemes, including the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024, and the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (MIIPP), 2024, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria.
The policy identifies several areas for potential investment and employment generation, including EV charging infrastructure, battery management and swapping services, vehicle servicing and maintenance, fleet operations, digital mobility solutions, research and development, pilot projects and skill development.
Government departments, public sector undertakings, private entities, start-ups, institutions and other stakeholders may submit proposals to the Nodal Agency for consideration. Such proposals will be assessed on their relevance to the policy objectives, technical feasibility, financial viability, environmental benefits and expected contribution to EV adoption.
The Commissioner of Transport, Government of Meghalaya, has been designated as the Nodal Agency responsible for the implementation, administration, monitoring and coordination of the policy.
A State Level Committee will be constituted under the chairpersonship of the senior-most Secretary in charge of the Transport Department. The committee will include representatives from the Transport Department, Finance Department, Planning Department, Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited and other departments, agencies or institutions nominated by the Government.
The committee will examine and approve claims for incentives and subsidies, consider proposals relating to EV infrastructure and other initiatives, monitor implementation and recommend corrective measures or modifications where necessary.
Eligible buyers will be able to avail purchase incentives through the Meghalaya EV Subsidy Portal. The Nodal Agency will prescribe the documentation requirements, application procedures and timelines for processing claims through separate operational guidelines.
The Government reserves the right to modify the policy in the public interest, while the State Level Committee will address grievances and disputes relating to its interpretation and implementation.
Through the Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy, 2026, the State Government aims to accelerate the adoption of cleaner transportation, strengthen the supporting infrastructure, encourage green enterprises and promote sustainable economic development, positioning Meghalaya to emerge as a leading green mobility destination in the North Eastern Region.
