Himachal Pradesh is expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the growing use of electric buses operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Charging stations are being established at 80 locations across the state at an estimated cost of Rs. 122 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the initiative is being implemented in phases to ensure reliable charging facilities for electric buses operating on different routes. Charging stations have already been installed at 34 locations, while work at 21 more locations is expected to be completed within the next month. The process of establishing facilities at the remaining 25 locations is also underway.
The charging infrastructure is being developed at HRTC bus stands and workshops across the state. In total, 99 charging points will be installed at the 80 locations. These facilities will be equipped with 180 kW fast CCS-2 chargers to support efficient charging of electric buses.
According to Agnihotri, the charging network is being developed beyond major cities, with HRTC bus stands and workshops in different parts of Himachal Pradesh being covered. Additional charging stations may also be established at other locations in the future based on operational requirements.
HRTC currently has 297 electric buses in its fleet, operating on both short- and long-distance routes. The deployment of electric buses is helping the corporation reduce operating expenses, with savings of approximately Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per kilometre in diesel costs.
The improved charging infrastructure is also supporting longer-distance electric bus operations. While an electric bus can generally travel around 180 kilometres on a single charge, one bus is successfully operating on the approximately 270-kilometre Haroli–Chandigarh route after a single charge.
Similarly, on the approximately 250-kilometre Shimla–Chandigarh–Shimla route, an electric bus is completing the journey with around 25 percent battery charge remaining.
Agnihotri said the expansion of charging infrastructure, along with the phased introduction of electric buses, is an important step towards developing a modern, economical and environment-friendly public transport system in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency while providing passengers with cleaner and more modern transportation services.
