Himachal Pradesh Seeks Special Relaxations for Electric Buses

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to grant special relaxations for hill states under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He highlighted challenges due to geographical conditions and emphasized the need for policy revisions to facilitate electric bus integration across the state.

In a significant move to enhance sustainable mobility, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday in New Delhi. He sought special relaxations for hill states under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, citing the operational challenges posed by the state's tough geographical landscapes.

During the meeting, CM Sukhu pointed out that the current scheme provisions offer no specific relaxations for hill states, limiting Himachal Pradesh's ability to fully benefit despite its commitment to green mobility. He noted only Shimla qualifies under the existing criteria, which apply to cities with populations over 10 lakh.

The Chief Minister underscored the need to adjust population criteria, enabling cities like Dharamshala, Solan, and Baddi to partake in the scheme. He also advocated for the replacement of diesel buses with electric ones, urging changes in operational assistance and mileage targets to make sustainable transport feasible on hilly terrains. Additionally, he requested the transfer of surplus land for the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation's integrated office.

(With inputs from agencies.)