The statement released on Monday indicated that both private and public sectors are working together to promote electric vehicles in an effort to lower carbon emissions. The state aims to establish itself as a benchmark for e-vehicle adoption.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Himachal Pradesh government is in the process of formulating a robust policy to facilitate the development of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. This initiative will involve partnering with private operators, who will receive a 50% subsidy to establish e-charging stations. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Shimla on Sunday evening, the Chief Minister highlighted that the forthcoming policy would prioritize several factors such as ease of access, user convenience, and generating new job opportunities.
In addition to this initiative, the Chief Minister noted that the first phase of development includes six green corridors, encompassing both national and state highways, stretching over a total distance of 2,137 km.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation is incrementally augmenting its fleet with more electric buses. He urged the corporation to pinpoint suitable routes for the deployment of these new electric buses. He emphasized that a significant reduction in reliance on fossil fuels is anticipated as the public transport system transitions towards electrification.
Talking about construction activities and infrastructure development, he insisted that any commencement of construction should be started based on a thorough scientific assessment of the site in question.
During the discussion, the status of ongoing solar power projects was also mentioned by the Chief Minister. He mandated a quicker progression in the land transfer processes associated with these projects.
Moreover, he instructed officials to investigate the feasibility of establishing Green Ammonia and Bio Gas plants to further the advancement of green energy. He has called for a comprehensive project report to be prepared, aiming to initiate a pilot plant by October 31.
