Himachal Pradesh’s transport department declared it is the first to turn all of its official vehicles from gasoline and diesel to electric. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the department. He said that the state had taken the initiative to switch to electric cars and had notified its policy.
He noted that 300 more e- buses would be added to the HRTC, Himachal Road Transport Corporation, fleet. It will cost an investment of more than Rs 400 crore approved. Sukhu mentioned that HRTC has set a goal of increasing the number of electric buses in its fleet by 60%
The chief minister stated in a statement issued here, “We are working to make Himachal India the first ‘green’ energy state by 2025.”
He stated that switching to electric vehicles was motivated by a desire to reduce unnecessary petroleum product consumption and preserve the environment.
Sukhu stated that “all government departments will have electric vehicles within 1 year.” He also added that the Electric Vehicle Policy, 2022, has been notified.
The chief minister stated that “we will transform all existing diesel buses into e-buses in a gradual manner.”
He said that the local bus depot in Shimla will soon be equipped with a fleet of e-buses, while a Nadaun depot will also soon be open.
Around 110 locations have been identified for the installation of EV charging stations. The chief minister stated that 700 government buildings were selected for charging stations.
Mukesh Agnihotri (Deputy Chief Minister) is also the head of the transport department. He stated that it took record time for the department to move into green mobility.
