Having set up seven electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) on the Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Keylong green corridor, the Transport Department has initiated tenders for establishing 45 EV charging stations along five more proposed green corridors.

The government is offering a 50 per cent subsidy to private operators for setting up these stations to provide convenient access to charging infrastructure. In his maiden budget speech, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu had announced to set up six green corridors in the state to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

On the Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Keylong green corridor, the IOC has set up seven EV charging stations at Ghandal, Daseran near Darlaghat, Nauni near Bilaspur, Jadol, Nerchowk bypass, Kullu, opposite Bhutnath Temple Bridge, and Keylong. The electric vehicle owners, travelling from Shimla towards Keylong, would be benefitted from the se charging stations.

“The impact of global warming is clearly visible, and we must take pre-emptive steps to curb the problem. That’s why the state government is committed to transforming Himachal into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026,” said Sukhu.

“Various measures have already been implemented, including the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna, providing a 50 per cent subsidy on the purchase of e-taxis, e-buses, and e-trucks. The government has also imposed a ban on the procurement of diesel/petrol vehicles in the public sector from this year,” he said.

The CM said the promotion of e-vehicles reflected the government’s resolve to sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and position Himachal as a leader in green energy for better future.