HRTC Accelerates Green Journey, Expands EV Charging Network Across Himachal
Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards cleaner and smarter public transport, with the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) rapidly expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the state. To support its growing fleet of electric buses, charging stations are being set up at 80 locations with an investment of ₹122 crore.
Reviewing the progress of the project, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that charging stations have already been installed at 34 locations, while work at 21 more sites is expected to be completed within the coming month. Efforts are also underway to establish charging facilities at the remaining 25 locations.
The charging stations are being developed at HRTC bus stands and workshops to ensure electric buses operating on various routes have easy access to reliable charging facilities. This will help improve the efficiency and smooth operation of electric bus services across Himachal.
99 Fast Charging Points Planned
A total of 99 charging points will be created across the 80 identified locations. These stations will be equipped with 180-kW CCS-2 fast chargers, significantly reducing charging time and enhancing operational efficiency.
Agnihotri emphasized that the charging network is not limited to major urban centres. Instead, it is being spread across different parts of the state, ensuring that even remote regions benefit from the growing EV ecosystem. More charging stations will be added in the future as operational needs increase.
Nearly 300 Electric Buses Already on Roads
HRTC currently operates 297 electric buses, which are running successfully on both short and long-distance routes. The shift to electric mobility is also resulting in substantial financial savings. According to Agnihotri, HRTC is reducing diesel expenses by approximately ₹15 to ₹16 per kilometre through the use of electric buses.
The state government is expanding charging and support infrastructure in phases to match the growing electric fleet and provide passengers with more comfortable, efficient and environmentally friendly transport services.
Electric Buses Exceeding Expectations
The performance of HRTC’s electric buses has been particularly encouraging. While a single charge typically provides a range of about 180 kilometres, some buses are exceeding expectations on longer routes.
An electric bus is currently operating successfully on the nearly 270-kilometre Haroli-Chandigarh route after a single charge. Similarly, buses running on the approximately 250-kilometre Shimla-Chandigarh-Shimla route are completing the journey with nearly 25 percent battery charge still available.
With charging facilities expanding rapidly and the electric fleet continuing to grow, Himachal Pradesh is taking significant strides towards a cleaner, more economical and sustainable public transport system. The government aims to further strengthen the charging network in the coming years, ensuring a smooth transition to green mobility across the state.
