Mumbai: Tesla Opens First India Showroom As DyCM Eknath Shinde Drives EV Into Assembly To Mark Entry

Tesla inaugurated its first showroom in India on Tuesday, located in Mumbai. The launch was followed by a dramatic showcase on Wednesday when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde drove a Tesla car into the state legislature premises, creating a buzz among lawmakers and the public alike. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik accompanied him in the front passenger seat, while curious onlookers gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the iconic EV.

Speaking to the media after the drive, Shinde highlighted Mumbai’s appeal for global businesses. “Mumbai is a hub for industry and commerce, with robust infrastructure and business-friendly policies. Tesla’s decision to enter Mumbai is a direct response to this environment. For those who claim industries are leaving Maharashtra, Tesla’s arrival is the answer,” he said.

Shinde emphasized the state’s successful efforts to attract global investments. “Our Chief Minister and Industry Minister showcased Maharashtra’s potential at Davos. We have brought in nearly ₹23 lakh crore in foreign investments, leading to the emergence of numerous small and medium enterprises,” he added.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik took the opportunity to hit back at critics, stating, “The opposition often claims that industries are leaving the state. If that were true, Tesla would not have chosen Mumbai. The fact that the first Tesla car in the country is arriving through Mumbai is a matter of pride.”

Sarnaik also expressed personal interest in becoming the first buyer of a Tesla car in India. “As Transport Minister, I intend to purchase the first Tesla vehicle in the country,” he said. When asked about the car's availability, he clarified that while the showroom has been launched, bookings and deliveries will commence soon as remaining processes are finalized.

The Maharashtra government has been aggressively promoting electric vehicles with a dynamic EV policy. The policy includes incentives for manufacturing, tax benefits, and the development of charging infrastructure. As part of this plan, Mumbai will soon see the establishment of four major charging hubs and 32 charging stations. The government also confirmed that after Mumbai, Tesla services will expand to two more Indian cities in the near future. With Tesla’s entry and the state’s forward-looking EV policy, Maharashtra is positioning itself to become a national leader in the electric mobility sector.