Himachal Pradesh Approves Installation of EV Charging Stations at 402 Locations to Promote Green Mobility
Shimla, April 9: In a major push towards green and sustainable mobility, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 402 strategically chosen locations across the state. This initiative is a key part of the state’s broader vision to encourage electric mobility and reduce its carbon footprint.
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, these charging stations will be established primarily within government-owned premises, including Public Works Department (PWD) rest houses, Jal Shakti rest houses, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) offices, Forest Department rest houses, and the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs). One station will also be set up at the Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Development Authority (BBNDA) office, reinforcing the effort to decentralize EV infrastructure across various regions.
The detailed breakdown of the planned installations includes 252 stations in PWD rest houses, 100 in Forest Department rest houses, 19 in Jal Shakti rest houses, 18 in HPSEBL premises, 12 at district and police administrative complexes, and one at BBNDA. The move is expected to cater to both government-owned and private electric vehicles, thus encouraging greater public confidence in EV usage.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while highlighting the importance of the decision, said the primary goal of the project is to create a robust and efficient EV charging ecosystem across Himachal Pradesh. This, he added, will facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles by government departments while also setting a precedent for private users, ultimately contributing to environmental protection and reduction in fossil fuel dependence.
To complement this shift, the state government has already mandated all departments to transition their vehicle fleets to EVs, a directive that has led to 4,997 EVs being registered in the state so far. Additionally, under the e-taxi scheme, around 500 electric taxis are being inducted into service across various departments, ensuring green transportation options for official use.
Recognizing the growing need for a supporting infrastructure, the government has proactively notified six major highways as green corridors to ensure seamless EV travel across long distances. Plans are also underway to install EV charging stations at petrol pumps, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels, and private hospitality establishments to expand the charging network beyond just government locations.
At present, 23 EV charging stations are operational at fuel stations, and work is in progress to install charging infrastructure at 90 additional petrol pumps by the end of this year. This multi-pronged approach is aimed at creating a sustainable and accessible EV ecosystem that encourages both individual users and institutions to make the switch to cleaner transport alternatives.
The Himachal government’s proactive stance on electric mobility is seen as a model for other hill states, with the dual goal of reducing vehicular emissions in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region and boosting eco-tourism through clean transportation infrastructure.
