SOLAN: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday flagged off 297 new Type-1 electric buses from Kyari Ghat in Solan district for various depots of the Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation. He described the move as a golden chapter in the state’s public transport history. The Chief Minister also launched the ‘HimBus Plus Card’ on the occasion, aimed at providing a modern, digital, and cashless travel experience to passengers.
Speaking at the event, Sukhu said the advanced electric buses would offer passengers safe, comfortable, quiet, and pollution-free journeys. Their operation would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, bring down carbon emissions, lower operational costs, and strengthen the financial health of the transport corporation.
The state government has developed modern charging infrastructure at various bus depots to ensure smooth operations and has put in place necessary arrangements to promote e-mobility.
The Chief Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to environment protection and sustainable development. “Our aim is not just to provide better transport but also to ensure a clean Himalaya, clean air, and a healthy environment for future generations,” he said.
Regarding the HimBus Plus Card, he said general passengers would get a 5 per cent concession on bus fares while senior citizens would receive up to 15 per cent discount. Users would also earn cashback of up to ₹2,000 per month based on their monthly usage.
Sukhu informed that with the addition of these 297 buses, the total number of electric buses in the Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation fleet has reached 500. He noted that electric buses are far more economical than diesel buses, with operational costs including staff at ₹36-38 per kilometre compared to ₹76-86 per kilometre for diesel buses, resulting in savings of ₹40-50 per kilometre.
The Chief Minister said the government is purchasing 1,000 more electric buses this year and tenders would be floated soon. The state is also considering the purchase of 100 hydrogen buses to protect the environment from climate change impacts and position Himachal as a leading state in green mobility.
He mentioned that the new electric buses currently offer a range of 200 km per charge, while upcoming ones would have a range of 250-300 km per charge. Sukhu added that the government is working towards making the transport corporation self-reliant.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, MLAs Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Kuldeep Rathore, and Hardeep Bawa, Congress leader Shiv Kumar, Chief Minister’s Advisor (Infrastructure) Anil Kapil, Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Chand Sharma, HP Transport Corporation Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal, Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, and other dignitaries.
