CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu pushes for green mobility in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to give fillip to its transport services, especially considering the state’s challenging hilly terrain. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the corporation, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that HRTC acts as a lifeline for Himachal Pradesh and assured full support from the state government to ensure efficient and uninterrupted services for the public.

The Chief Minister announced that 297 Type-I electric buses will be inducted into the fleet by March 2026. This is being viewed as a major step towards green mobility. Moreover, the procurement process for 30 more Type-II e-buses is currently underway. He also instructed HRTC officials to explore the feasibility of introducing green hydrogen-powered buses in the near future, in line with the government’s goal of making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 2026.

To improve passenger convenience and operational efficiency, CM Sukhu directed the Corporation to implement a single-window system for concessional bus passes and to establish a real-time bus tracking system. He also called for the adoption of digital technologies, including the implementation of the e-office system at HRTC headquarters.

As part of infrastructure development, a new HRTC workshop will be set up in Theog, Shimla district. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting HRTC in becoming a financially sustainable and modern transport institution.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri was also participated in the meeting and he too offered constructive suggestions. The Deputy CM lauded the efforts of HRTC employees in maintaining service continuity across the state.

As per reports, the crucial meeting was attended by Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Infrastructure Advisor Anil Kapil, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazeem, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, HRTC Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal, and other senior officials.

Himachal Pradesh government is also developing a 1-MW capacity green hydrogen plant in Nalagarh area of Solan district that would offer a clean alternative to fossil fuels, especially in sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and energy storage.