Himachal Pradesh Launches Historic Green Corridor, Sets Up EV Charging Stations

Shimla, January 13: The state government has achieved a historic milestone with the operationalization of the Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Kelang Green Corridor, where seven electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will soon be inaugurated. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in his inaugural budget speech, announced the establishment of six green corridors across the state to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited strategically placed EV charging stations on the Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Kelang Green Corridor, near Ghanda, Dada Ghata, Dasran, Bilaspur, Naini, Jhandol, and near the Bhutnath Temple Bridge in Kullu. Electric vehicle drivers commuting from Shimla to Kelang will benefit from these charging stations. The goal of establishing these stations is to enhance transportation means while providing EV users with the convenience of a pleasant journey. Chief Minister Sukhu stated that the declared six green corridors cover major routes such as Parwanoo-Nalagarh-Unna-Hamirpur-Dehra-Amb-Mubarakpur-Sansaarpur-Teras-Noorpur, Panvta-Nahan-Solan-Shimla, Parwanoo-Solan-Shimla-Rampur-Piyo-Pooh-Tabo-Kaza-Losar, Shimla-Bilaspur-Hamirpur-Kangra-Noorpur-Banikhet-Chamba, and Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Dharamshala-Kangra-Pathankot, and Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali-Kelang-Jingjingbar.

Additionally, efforts are underway to fully operate five other green corridors. The Transport Department has initiated the bidding process for establishing 45 additional EV charging stations. The state government is offering a 50% subsidy to private operators for setting up these stations. Emphasizing the importance of identifying suitable locations for establishing charging stations along the convenient routes, the Chief Minister stressed the visible impacts of global warming. He urged the need to take proactive steps to curb this issue. Hence, the state government has committed to making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026.

Under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme, various provisions, including a 50% subsidy on the purchase of e-taxis, e-buses, and e-trucks, have already been implemented. The Chief Minister mentioned that the government has imposed a ban on the purchase of diesel-petrol vehicles in the public sector from this year. Promoting electric vehicles demonstrates the government’s dedication to sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and make Himachal Pradesh a leading state in the field of green energy, ensuring a clean and healthy future.