Nganglam in Pema Gatshel has become a gateway to five eastern districts, following the connection of the Nganglam-Gyalposhing highway. Today, most travellers, including EV taxis, prefer to travel through Nganglam due to the shorter route. However, the challenge that EV taxi drivers face is the lack of a quick charging station in the town, which forces them to take unplanned and inconvenient stops to charge their vehicle batteries. EV taxi drivers are now urging the authorities to urgently set up charging stations in Nganglam.
The number of EV vehicles and taxis is steadily increasing across the country. In Nganglam town, you can spot several EV taxis, many passing through and on their way to other eastern dzongkhags. However, travelling via Nganglam is not ideal for electric vehicles due to the absence of a quick charging station. This forces drivers to rely on home charging equipment, which results in extended stops or even overnight halts.
Palden, an EV Taxi Driver said “We purchased the EV Taxis thinking a charging station would be installed soon. We took this opportunity, but we have large loan repayments to make, and it takes a long time to charge the vehicle. It’s very inconvenient for us.”
Kezang Jamtsho, another EV Taxi Driver said “The government urged us to purchase the EV taxis, but now there is no charging station available. This situation negatively impacts our business.”
The issue has already been raised by the Nganglam Dungkhag Administration. In October last year, they submitted a letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport requesting an EV charging station for Nganglam, but they have yet to receive a response. They are hopeful for a positive reply soon.
Despite the lack of action, EV taxi drivers remain optimistic. They hope the government will provide the necessary infrastructure in Nganglam, and that their current challenges will soon be a thing of the past.
Palden, an EV Taxi Driver said “I thought that EV vehicles would help reduce pollution and increase the number of taxis here. However, the current home charging system is very time-consuming.”
EV taxi driver Kezang Jamtsho said “We hope the government will install EV charging stations not only in Nganglam but also in other areas where we are facing similar challenges due to the lack of charging infrastructure.”
People travelling to the east from Phuentshogling would drive through Samdrup Jongkhar in the past, but today many drive through Nganglam as it is quicker by four to five hours.
Currently, there are two EV taxis based in Nganglam, while others frequently pass through to ferry passengers. If a charging station is installed, it will encourage more EV taxis to operate in the area, which could improve taxi services in the area and also lower fares for commuters.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
