State government committed to encourage use of environment friendly transport: Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu

Dharamsala, May 24, 2023:  Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu ceremoniously flagged off 15 electric buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in Dharamshala today. Accompanying the event was the inauguration of the newly constructed McLeodganj bus stand, a commendable project completed at a cost of Rs 15 crore. Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his satisfaction, stating that the bus stand would greatly benefit both local residents and tourists. Additionally, the facility boasts a parking area that can accommodate over 250 cars. Notably, the Chief Minister also performed the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the upcoming Dharamshala bus stand, which is slated to be constructed at a cost of Rs 30 crore. He emphasized the need for its completion within 18 months and instructed the authorities accordingly. During the event, the Chief Minister, alongside other dignitaries, took a ride from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj in one of the new electric buses from the HRTC fleet.
 
In his address at Mecleodganj BusStand , Chief Minister Sukhu proudly announced that the HRTC currently possesses 75 electric buses, and the addition of 15 new buses further bolsters the fleet. He further revealed that tenders have already been issued to acquire an additional 75 electric buses, with plans to invite tenders for 25 more in June. The Chief Minister shared the government's vision to transition all HRTC buses into electric vehicles within three years. As part of this initiative, the government is providing a generous 50% subsidy to private bus operators under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme, thus boosting their income.
 
Highlighting the government's commitment to environmental conservation, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that a green budget had been presented in the current financial year. To promote e-vehicles in the state, infrastructure and charging stations are being established accordingly. Kangra district, already known for its tourism potential, is being developed as the tourism capital of the state. To facilitate this, an estimated amount of 3000 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development.
 
The Chief Minister recognized the significance of green hydrogen as a future energy source and proudly stated that Himachal Pradesh is set to become the country's first state to formulate a policy on green hydrogen. He stressed the importance of policy reforms to expedite progress and predicted that the state's economy would be significantly strengthened within four years, positioning it as the most prosperous state in the nation.
 
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhu pledged to initiate a survey for the construction of the Mcleodganj-Bhagsu tunnel, a measure aimed at improving the traffic system in the area. Notably, he returned to Dharamshala from Mcleodganj via a ropeway, symbolizing the state's commitment to innovative transportation solutions.
 
Local MLA Sudhir Sharma extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for launching the e-bus service. He highlighted that the construction of new bus stands would not only boost tourism but also enhance the convenience of local residents.
 
Prominent personalities present at the event included Agriculture Minister Chandra Kumar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Kishori Lal, MLAs Sudhir Sharma, Sanjay Ratna, Bhawani Singh Pathania, Kewal Singh Pathania, and Malendra Rajan. Additionally, Principal Advisor (IT and Innovation) Gokul Butail, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Raghuveer Singh Bali, Vice Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation Vishal Chambiyal, Chairman of Agriculture Development Bank Sanjay Chauhan, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Dharamshala Onkar Nehriya, District Congress President Ajay Mahajan, and many more were present.