Himachal Pradesh Will Convert All Public Transport To Electric Vehicles
Himachal Pradesh has taken the most ambitious initiative in the country to further promote the use of electric vehicles in the state. The state has set an innovative precedent by becoming the first in the country to switch its entire fleet of gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles. The state transport department has set itself the ambitious goal of equipping all government departments with electric vehicles within one year, paving the way for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly system.
Himachal Pradesh New Policies
As part of this plan, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will add 300 electric buses to its fleet, for which an outlay of Rs 400 crore was sanctioned. The goal is to have the entire e-bus fleet operational by 2025, contributing to the reduction of the state’s carbon footprint and air pollution.
The HRTC, which is crucial to the state’s economy as it connects remote towns with urban areas, has suffered losses due to rising oil prices. The switch to electric vehicles is expected to reduce the daily expense of about Rs 1.5 crore incurred by the HRTC.
In addition, the state’s electric vehicle policy, which aims to achieve a 100% transition to electric vehicles by 2030, aligns with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Policy goals include saving the environment, accelerating demand for electric vehicles, promoting a sustainable transportation system, and creating a public-private charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The policy also includes provisions for charging points in commercial buildings such as hotels and shopping centers and non-domestic and non-commercial electric energy rates at public charging facilities and commercial charging stations.
The policy has received positive responses from experts, with Climate Trends Research Associate Archit Fursule saying: “EV adoption in Himachal needs to focus on an implementation strategy that leads to a full development of the EV ecosystem.” This includes creating zero or low-emission zones in tourist destinations, which would allow only EVs such as e-buses, auto-rickshaws, and e-cabs. The switch to electric vehicles in Himachal Pradesh is a promising step towards a sustainable future, and it will be interesting to see how the state continues to implement and improve its electric vehicle policy.
According to Archit Fursule, Research Associate at Climate Trends, policy should focus on an implementation strategy that leads to the full development of the EV ecosystem. Fursule suggests creating zero or low-emission zones in eco-sensitive areas and tourist destinations, allowing only EVs such as e-buses, auto-rickshaws, and e-cabs. This, along with other steps, could create a significant boost in EV adoption in Himachal Pradesh.
New initiatives from Himachal Pradesh
The state government is also working on the appropriate steps to establish new driving test tracks to ensure compliance with road safety regulations. Additionally, charging facilities are considered prime locations in the state, including various government and out-of-state institutions. The state’s draft policy was notified in January of last year and steps are being taken to make it a reality.
How will EV change help Himachal Pradesh?
The HRTC, with more than 3,500 buses connecting remote towns with urban areas, has suffered losses due to rising oil prices. The switch to electric vehicles is expected to reduce the daily expense of around Rs 1.5 crore incurred by the HRTC. Experts have also pointed out that the ecologically sensitive state with huge tourism potential is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of this decision.
Himachal charging infrastructure
The state government is also taking steps to set up charging facilities at prime locations in the state, starting with various government institutions including the Secretariat and Himachal Sadan and Bhawans out-of-state. Also, the government is working on the appropriate steps to establish new driving test tracks to ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
way ahead
With the state of Himachal Pradesh setting an example for others to follow, it is clear that the shift to electric vehicles is an important step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. With the state’s commitment to achieving its ambitious goals, it is sure to make significant strides in becoming a role model for other states for years to come.
