10 EV charging stations at Uppal, Tarnaka vandalised; Hyderabad police vow more patrols, security
Thieves have been cutting cables and removing charging guns from multiple public EV charging points, leaving several stations defunct.
By - Newsmeter Network
EV charging stations (File Photo)
Hyderabad: A rise in thefts targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Hyderabad has caused serious inconvenience to EV users and prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and police authorities to initiate stronger security measures.
Thieves have been cutting cables and removing charging guns from multiple public EV charging points, leaving several stations defunct.
10 EV charging stations at Uppal and Tarnaka vandalised
Incidents have been reported from areas including Uppal and Tarnaka, where nearly ten charging points have been vandalised in recent weeks. The number of such cases is steadily increasing, causing widespread concern among EV owners who rely on public infrastructure for daily charging.
One EV car owner said he realised the scale of the issue only after visiting multiple stations, only to find charging cables missing at each location.
GHMC files complaints with police
With complaints mounting, GHMC officials have formally approached the three police commissionerates in the city, seeking investigation and preventive measures. Authorities have begun reviewing available CCTV footage from surrounding areas to identify the offenders.
Police night patrols to include EV charging stations
Hyderabad Traffic Joint Commissioner Joel Davis has termed the incidents ‘serious’ and assured GHMC that heightened alert measures are being taken. Police teams have claimed to have already identified one suspect through video footage and further investigation is underway.
As part of preventive measures, police patrol vehicles will now include EV charging stations in their night surveillance routes.
AI cameras and tech-led safeguards planned
To curb the thefts, GHMC and the city police are working on a technology-based security plan.
The proposed measures include:
- Installing AI-enabled surveillance cameras at all charging points
- Connecting cameras to the Command Control Centre for real-time monitoring
- Implementing a QR-based access system, allowing the charging gun to release only after user authentication.
Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders to adopt additional safeguards.
Threat to Hyderabad’s green mobility push
Hyderabad currently has over 120 EV charging stations, jointly developed by TGREDCO, the Electricity Department, and GHMC as part of the city’s larger push toward clean energy and reduced carbon emissions.
Officials warn that unless thefts are curbed quickly, the disruption could slow down the city’s EV adoption momentum and discourage users from investing in electric mobility.
