Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated a significant milestone in the state’s transportation sector as he flagged off 15 electric buses in Dharamshala. To commemorate the occasion, the Chief Minister himself took a ride in one of the electric buses from Dharamshala bus stand to McLeodganj. The newly inaugurated McLeodganj Bus Stand is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing facilities for tourists by providing modern amenities and parking space for more than 250 cars. Its launch is expected to bolster tourism and strengthen the transportation infrastructure in the region. Additionally, the proposed Dharamshala bus stand will further contribute to improving connectivity and transportation services in the area.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the state’s commitment to expanding its fleet of electric buses. Currently, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates 90 electric buses, and an additional 20 electric buses will soon be introduced in Shimla. This will raise the total number of electric buses in the HRTC fleet to 110. Furthermore, the government has already initiated the tender process for the purchase of 75 new electric buses, and another tender for 25 electric buses will be issued in June. The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s long-term plan to gradually replace 1,500 HRTC diesel buses with electric buses.
The launch of the 15 electric buses in Dharamshala marks a significant step forward in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. The state government’s proactive efforts to expand the electric bus fleet will not only enhance the transportation experience for residents and tourists but also contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Himachal Pradesh continues to set an example for other regions in embracing electric mobility and prioritizing sustainable transportation solutions.