Seven electric vehicle charging stations will open soon in Himachal, CM Sukhu announced

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Shimla. The State government has achieved a historic milestone with the operationalization of the Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Keylong green corridor, hosting seven Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) set to be officially inaugurated shortly. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in his maiden budget speech has announced to set-up six green corridors statewide, aiming to boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited has established seven EV charging stations strategically locations at Ghandal, Daseran near Darlaghat, Nauni near Bilaspur, Jadol, Ner Chowk Bye Pass, Kullu Opposite Bhutnath Temple Bridge, and Keylong on Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Keylong green corridor. The electric vehicle owners travelling from Shimla towards Keylong would also be benefitted from the charging stations. These stations aim to facilitate EV owners in their journey towards a more sustainable mode of transportation.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The six declared green corridors encompass key routes such as Parwanoo-Nalagarh-Una-Hamirpur-Dehra-Amb-Mubarakpur-Sansarpur Terrace-Nurpur, Paonta-Nahan-Solan-Shimla, Parwanoo-Solan-Shimla-Rampur-Peo-Pooh-Tabo-Kaza-Losar, Shimla-Bilaspur-Hamirpur-Kangra-Nurpur-Banikhet-Chamba, Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Dharamshala-Kangra-Pathankot, and Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Keylong-Zingzingbar. Efforts are underway to make the remaining five green corridors fully operational.”

The Transport Department has initiated tenders for the establishment of 45 additional EV charging stations along the remaining proposed green corridors. The State Government is offering a 50 percent subsidy to private operators for setting up these stations, emphasizing the importance of identifying suitable locations for convenient access to charging infrastructure.

Chief Minister said that the impacts of global warming are clearly visible, and we must take pre-emptied steps to curb the problem. That’s why the State Government is committed to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026 and various measures have already been implemented, including the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Yojna, providing a 50 percent 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 added.

The Chief Minister said that the promotion of e-vehicles reflects the government’s dedication to sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and position Himachal Pradesh as a leader in green energy for a cleaner and healthier future.