Himachal Pradesh is taking important steps in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and will soon introduce its new EV Policy, Deputy Minister Mukesh Agnihotri of the state told PTI on Monday after test driving an EV. from the Secretariat and inquire about its technical aspects. He also said that he will make active efforts to radically change the transportation sector.
He said discussions are being held at various levels to introduce the new policy and added, “Initially, tram activity will be promoted at the Secretariat. Then their use will be increased in public transport.”
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The state, a popular tourist destination, is prioritizing environmental protection and promoting electric vehicles. It is also planning to replace all diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles in government agencies in phases over the next five years. The first batch of electric vehicles will soon be introduced in the state transport department and the necessary instructions have been issued to the director of transportation.
About 1,000 vehicles with no book value at Himachal Road Transport Joint Stock Company will be gradually replaced by electric vehicles. Electric buses will also be included in the fleet under the new policy. This policy is also expected to reduce daily spending by about $1.5 crore incurred by the transport group.
Steps are also being considered to install charging facilities in prime locations in the state. “In the first phase, the facility will be made available to various government agencies, including the Secretariat and in Himachal Sadan and bhawans outside the state,” Agnihotri said.
The state government is also taking appropriate steps to establish new driving test tracks to ensure compliance with road safety standards.
First published date: December 19, 2022, 18:10 pm IST
