SHIMLA 23rd May, 2023
Reviews development of green corridor Highways
To ensure adequate charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EVs), Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the need to identify suitable locations for establishing charging facilities along the proposed three Green Corridors Highways viz: Parwanoo-Nalagarh-Una-Hamirpur-Sansarpur Terrace, Bilaspur-Hamirpur-Kangra, and Mandi-Dharamshala-Kangra.
He was presiding over a review meeting at Dharamshala wherein discussions were held and strategy devised to develop the three green corridors in Kangra district. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of developing charging infrastructure within cities to facilitate EV usage.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government has set a target to transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by 31st March, 2026. As part of this initiative, the promotion of e-vehicles plays a crucial role. To encourage the adoption of EVs, the cabinet has approved the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme-2023. Under this scheme, a uniform 50 percent subsidy will be provided for the purchase of e-taxis, e-buses, and e-trucks.
The Chief Minister directed the officers of the transport department to organize a meeting with stakeholders within the next 10 days to start with. The government aims to create an electric vehicle ecosystem and transition all government vehicles to EVs gradually. The introduction of the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme will not only provide self-employment opportunities for local youth but also enable government departments to hire electric vehicle service providers.
The Chief Minister said that the promotion of e-vehicles demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. By embracing electric mobility, Himachal Pradesh aims to lead the way in green energy and contribute to a cleaner and healthier future, he said.
