Himachal to procure 1,000 more e-buses, 100 hydrogen-powered buses: CM Sukhu
Shimla, July 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday flagged off 297 Type-I electric buses from Kyarighat in Solan district for deployment in Himachal Road Transport Corporation, a significant milestone in the history of public transportation.
He announced that the state government would procure 1,000 additional electric buses this year and is considering procurement of 100 hydrogen-powered buses.
The induction of these electric buses will not only enhance commuter convenience but also represents a major step towards establishing a clean, green, modern and sustainable public transport system, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister also launched the HimBus Plus Card, which is an another significant initiative aimed at promoting digital and smart public transportation.
He said these state-of-the-art electric buses would provide passengers a safe, comfortable and pollution-free travel experience.
Their operation would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lower carbon emissions, besides decreasing operational costs and strengthening the financial position of HRTC.
The state government has developed modern charging infrastructure at various bus depots to ensure the operation of these buses and has put in place all necessary arrangements to promote e-mobility across the state.
Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the state government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
He said the objective was not only to provide better transportation facilities but also to ensure a clean Himalaya, clean air and a healthy environment for future generations.
Interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that with the induction of 297 buses, the total number of electric buses in the HRTC fleet has now reached 500.
He added that electric buses were considerably more economical than diesel buses.
The operational cost of an electric bus, including staff and other expenses, was around Rs 36-38 per km, compared to Rs 76-86 per km for a diesel bus.
With addition these buses in the fleet, savings of Rs 40-50 per km would be ensured to HRTC.
He said that the state government is working towards making HRTC financially self-reliant.
He added that the state government had envisioned making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state in its very first budget and accordingly prioritised the promotion of electric mobility.
He said the current electric buses had a range of around 200 km per charge, while the next generation of buses would be capable of travelling 250 to 300 km on a single charge.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who travels to Himachal frequently, this is fantastic news. The diesel buses are not just polluting but also noisy and uncomfortable. Electric buses with 200km range should be enough for most routes. Hope they maintain these buses properly though - that's often the issue with government initiatives.
Finally, someone is thinking about clean Himalayas! 😊 Tourism generates so much revenue but also makes pollution. Electric buses for tourists and locals alike is the way forward. Also, the HimBus Plus Card for digital payments is long overdue. We need to leave a better planet for our children.
While I appreciate the green initiative, I'm concerned about the source of electricity. In Himachal, most power is hydro which is clean, but if they're relying on coal-fired grid electricity, it defeats the purpose. Also, what about battery disposal and life? These are expensive buses, and we need to ensure long-term sustainability.
Good news for commuters! The Rs 36-38 per km operational cost is very attractive. I hope HRTC also maintains the quality of service - clean buses, punctual timing, and polite conductors. The shift to digital payments via HimBus Plus will help reduce corruption too. Well done, government! 👏
I'm excited about the hydrogen buses! 🚍 That's real next-gen tech. But I have to ask - where will the hydrogen come from? India doesn't have large-scale green hydrogen production yet. The 100 hydrogen buses sound great but might just be a pilot. Still, it's good to see Himachal leading the way in clean mobility.
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