On Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated 20 new electric buses from the Chaura Maidan, thereby expanding the fleet size for Shimla to a total of 70 vehicles.
During the press briefing, the chief minister informed reporters that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation already operates electric buses in various other regions, including Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra.
The operational cost of electric buses is significantly lower, at approximately Rs 25 per kilometre, compared to diesel-powered buses. This initiative to promote electric mobility aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to environmental preservation.
The corporation has also issued a tender for an additional 75 buses to be used in Shimla and Nadaun. The Himachal government plans to gradually replace the entire fleet of 1,500 buses with electric vehicles and is currently developing the necessary infrastructure. These electric buses will not only serve regular transportation needs but will also be deployed on the tourist circuit.
The state government’s objective is to transform Himachal Pradesh into a “green energy state” by March 31, 2026, as outlined in the maiden budget of the current Congress dispensation.
To emphasize their commitment to sustainable transportation, Chief Minister Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who is also responsible for the Transport portfolio, along with other ministers, travelled in an electric bus from Chaura Maidan to the Secretariat to attend a Cabinet meeting.
