Himachal Pradesh Charts Ambitious Green Energy Future: CM Sukhu Leads Sustainable Transport Drive

In a significant move towards sustainable development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to green energy and environmental conservation during the ‘National Truck and Bus Meet’ of the All India Motor Transport Congress, held at Gandhi Gram under the Kasauli Assembly Constituency in Solan District. Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination, the Chief Minister underscored the urgent need to balance tourism expansion with environmental preservation.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that while Himachal Pradesh’s pristine landscapes draw visitors from across the globe, the escalating footfall inevitably impacts the delicate ecological balance of the hilly state. Acknowledging these challenges, he outlined the state’s comprehensive strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure while prioritizing environmental sustainability. “We are building a model of growth that protects our natural assets,” he stated, reinforcing that sustainable tourism and green development would remain central to the government’s agenda.

The Chief Minister announced that Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious target to become a green energy state by March 2026. To achieve this goal, the government has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and developing an expansive EV-supporting infrastructure. “This meet is not just a forum for transport deliberations; it is a platform to devise future strategies for environmental sustainability,” he said, underscoring the event’s wider significance.

Highlighting the urgent environmental threats posed by greenhouse gases, the Chief Minister pointed out that the transport sector alone contributes approximately 16 to 20 percent of these emissions. He warned that the rising number of petrol and diesel vehicles was a major cause of air pollution and emphasized that transitioning to electric mobility is a critical solution. His government, he added, is vigorously advancing the use of e-vehicles to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

In a significant boost to this green transition, Chief Minister Sukhu spoke about the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-up Yojana, a Rs 680 crore initiative aimed at empowering the youth. Under this scheme, a 50 percent subsidy is offered to young entrepreneurs for purchasing e-taxis, with many of these vehicles already integrated into various government departments and institutions. So far, 50 e-taxis have been inducted, and an additional 50 are slated for approval by May 10. “I personally use an electric vehicle and can vouch for its cost-effectiveness,” the Chief Minister noted, adding that the government plans to convert 3,000 internal combustion vehicles to electric models within this year.

A cornerstone of the state’s transport revolution involves the electrification of public transport. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has initiated the procurement of 297 electric buses, backed by an investment of Rs 412 crore. Complementing this effort, charging stations are being installed at strategic bus depots at a cost of Rs 124 crore. Furthermore, plans are underway to purchase 500 more electric buses during the 2025-26 financial year, thereby accelerating the shift towards a fully electrified public transport system.

The Chief Minister also revealed that six green corridors have already been established across the state, with 41 more charging stations soon to be operational along these routes. To incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles, the government has provided a 100 percent exemption on road tax and a 50 percent concession on the special road tax applicable to the registration of commercial electric vehicles.

As part of a broader environmental protection initiative, all petrol and diesel-powered auto-rickshaws in Himachal Pradesh are being phased out in favor of e-auto rickshaws. This sweeping change aims to further curb vehicular emissions and foster cleaner urban environments.

In a move designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and create self-employment opportunities, the government plans to issue permits for 1,000 new bus routes to the private sector. Subsidies of up to 40 percent are being offered for the purchase of e-buses and e-tempo travelers on these routes, reinforcing the state’s long-term vision of a completely electrified public transportation network.

Hamirpur district has been selected for a pilot project where all government offices will transition to using electric vehicles, a model that could later be replicated across the entire state. The Chief Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting green industries, eco-tourism, and sustainable investments in Himachal Pradesh. “This is the right time to invest in a green future,” he urged prospective investors.

The event witnessed the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, MLAs Vinod Sultanpuri and Sanjay Awasthi, and other dignitaries including senior officials from the tourism and transport sectors. National President of the All India Motor Transport Congress Dr. Harish Sabharwal, Co-President Rakesh Trehan, and Conference Chairman Bhim Wadhwa also attended the session, lending strong support to the state’s sustainable development goals.

As Himachal Pradesh positions itself at the forefront of India’s green transformation, its innovative policies and ambitious energy targets offer a promising blueprint for other states striving to balance development with environmental stewardship.

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