Himachal CM Sukhu flags off 20 e-buses of state transport corporation

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday flagged off 20 new e-buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation for the town from the Chaura Maidan here on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister said the corporation operates 17 electric buses in Kullu, five in Mandi, three in Bilaspur, 15 in Kangra. With the addition of the 20 vehicles, the fleet size for Shimla has risen to 70.

The operational cost of the e-buses is approximately Rs 25 per kilometre -- much lower than diesel-powered buses. Promoting e-mobility will reduce carbon emission and contribute to environmental preservation, he said.

The corporation has issued a tender for 75 buses to be used in Shimla town and Nadaun, Sukhu added.

The Himachal government will replace the corporation's entire fleet of 1,500 buses with e-vehicles in a phased manner and the necessary infrastructure is being set up. These e-buses will also ply on the tourist circuit as well, he said.

The chief minister said the state government aims to transform Himachal Pradesh into a "green energy state" by March 31, 2026, for which the current Congress dispensation made various provisions in its maiden budget.

Sukhu and his deputy Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, along with other ministers travelled in an e-bus from Chaura Maidan to the Secretariat to attend a Cabinet meeting.