46 locations identified for expansion of charging stations for electric buses in Himachal
To be set up at 34 priority sites: Deputy Chief Minister
Another significant step has been taken to strengthen the green transport system in the State. A proposal of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has been approved for the development of e-charging stations at 53 locations for the smooth operation of 327 electric buses.
The Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that a budget of Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned by the State Government for this ambitious project. In addition, financial assistance of Rs. 110.95 crore has been received from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). A total of 90 potential sites were surveyed out of which 46 locations have been finalized. On a priority basis, charging stations will be set up at 34 locations including Shimla Local, Theog Bus Stand, Nurpur, Fatehpur, Dharamshala, Palampur, Baijnath, Hamirpur, Hamirpur Bus Stand, Nadaun Bus Stand, new Electric Depot Nadaun, Una, Bangana, Amb, Bilaspur, Ghumarwin, Sundernagar, Jogindernagar, Mandi, Arki, Parwanoo, Nalagarh, Nahan, Paonta Sahib, Shree Renukaji, Kullu, Manali, Chamba, Bharmour, Dalhousie, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Reckong Peo and Keylong.
Shri Agnihotri stated that Himachal Pradesh was paving the way for other states in the country in the field of e-mobility. Through this project, the State Government is not only ensuring environmental protection but also creating new opportunities for employment generation and infrastructure development.
He further said that the installation of electrical transformers for charging stations would be undertaken by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited, while the civil works will be carried out Himachal Pradesh Bus Stands Management & Development Authority (HP BSM&DA). The project will be executed in two phases to ensure all necessary arrangements are made before the arrival of the first fleet of e-buses.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that this project will not only make the transport system of the State more environment-friendly but will also strengthen transportation services in both urban and rural areas.
