September 5, New Delhi: The Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, supported by WRI India, organized the Bihar EV Nirmaan Conclave — the state’s first xEV manufacturers’ convening on Thursday to chart a roadmap for building a vibrant xEV manufacturing ecosystem in Bihar. The conclave brought together 100+ industry stakeholders, spanning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), auto component manufacturers, charging infrastructure developers, battery recyclers, fleet aggregators, EV experts, and representatives from various think tanks and academia.

The Chief Guest of the convening, Shri Nitish Mishra, Honourable Minister, Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, emphasized the state's investment readiness for EV manufacturing. “Bihar is committed to inclusive, forward-looking, and industry-led growth. Bihar’s proximity to Nepal, north-eastern states, and Jharkhand creates a gateway for regional trade and logistics. The state’s proactive vision and ambition toward sustainable growth, through the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package (BIIPP) 2025, has been further catalyzed by a single-window clearance system and streamlined governance mechanisms that improve the ease of doing business.” The Minister underscored flagship projects, such as the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Gaya district, highlighting the state’s readiness to welcome industries and partnerships that can fuel Bihar’s progress in line with India’s climate ambitions.

The recently announced BIIPP 2025, which categorizes EV manufacturing as a high-priority sector, set the context for this convening. BIIPP 2025 offers a range of incentives to industries, including free land (based on investment and direct employment creation), financial incentives (interest subvention, SGST reimbursement and capital subsidy) and related concessions aimed at creating a conducive environment for the state’s rapid industrial development. With this context, the Conclave discussed the key EV manufacturing opportunities and investment scope in Bihar to identify the potential strategies needed to realize these opportunities at an accelerated pace.

The Conclave was also addressed by Shri Mihir Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries and Transport Department Government of Bihar, Prashant Banerjee, Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Koyel Kumar Mandal, Director – Climate (India) at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Neha Kumar, Head – South Asia at the Climate Bonds Initiative, Pawan Mulukutla, Executive Program Director- Integrated Transport, Clean Air and Hydrogen, WRI India, and Felipe A. Ramírez Buitrago, Director of Urban Mobility at the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.

Speaking at the Conclave, Shri Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries and Transport Department, Government of Bihar, highlighted the state’s demographic dividend advantage. He said, “With over 130 million people, with a median age of 22, and 58% of the population under 25 years of age, Bihar offers the youngest workforce in India, backed by skill development incentives, robust academic ecosystem, and targeted support for infrastructural and industrial growth.”

Pawan Mulukutla, Executive Program Director - Integrated Transport, Clean Air and Hydrogen, WRI India, talked about the unique opportunity EVs present for a generational shift to clean mobility in Bihar. He said, “With its resource advantages, young workforce, and growing connectivity, Bihar has the potential to become a key hub for EV manufacturing. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, and by investing in innovation, R&D, and skill development, the state can unlock green jobs and economic opportunities. Bihar stands at the cusp of this transformation, ready to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s EV ambitions and shaping a sustainable future.”

Prashant Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM (an automobile association representing 48 global auto manufacturers), said, “India's growth is incomplete without Bihar’s. The state’s rich mineral abundance can act as a critical enabler for holistic EV development. SIAM is happy to support the state in building an affordable and accountable EV ecosystem for a sustainable future.”

Industry participants acknowledged the positive developments undertaken by the Government of Bihar and echoed the need for tailored solutions for EV manufacturing, targeted skill development, support for technology innovation, and demand creation for EVs through multiple policy measures, which could help the state supplement its efforts towards becoming eastern India’s future xEV manufacturing hub. The Bihar EV Nirmaan Conclave marked a pivotal moment in the state’s journey toward becoming a leading EV manufacturing destination. With strong policy support, demographic advantages, and industry interest, Bihar is well-positioned to drive India’s clean mobility transition.