Himachal’s Big Transport Push: More Buses, EV Stations, and Jobs on the Horizon

In a major move to improve public transport and create job opportunities, the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department is rolling out 1,000 new bus route permits across the state. This initiative is especially aimed at easing the transport crunch in both rural and urban areas.

Of the new permits, 422 will be for regular buses, while 350 are designated for 18-seater mini and midi buses. Tenders have already been floated for 350 routes, and 181 have been awarded to private operators.

Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the expansion will not only boost connectivity but also open up employment avenues for the state’s youth. With these additions, Himachal will now have a total of 4,000 bus routes.

Driving Toward a Greener Future

The state is also accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. So far, 65 EV charging stations have been installed at 11 government and private hotels, with plans to extend them to government rest houses. Additionally, three companies have signed agreements to set up charging stations at 41 locations along six green corridors. The goal is to install 88 new stations this year, with 23 already operational at petrol pumps.

Himachal’s Love for Wheels

In the past year alone, 1.5 lakh new vehicles were registered in the state, bringing the total to 23 lakh. One lakh new driving licenses were also issued, pushing the total number of license holders to 16 lakh. “The craze for owning vehicles in Himachal is growing every day,” Agnihotri noted.

The department also issued over 26,000 permits for taxis and other commercial vehicles in the last year.

Revenue on the Rise

The Transport Department’s revenue jumped by 17% in the 2024–25 financial year, reaching ₹912 crore—₹132 crore more than the previous year. The target for 2025–26 is ₹1,000 crore. The Centre has also recognized the state’s modernization efforts, awarding Himachal ₹28.71 crore this year.

Smarter Systems and Safer Roads

To modernize vehicle testing, seven automated fitness testing stations are being set up. Vehicle scrapping centers have already started operating in Solan and Nadaun, with more coming soon in other towns. Owners scrapping old vehicles will get registration discounts on new ones.

For better enforcement, Intelligence Management Systems have been installed at 10 border check posts, helping catch over 2,500 violators so far.