Himachal Pradesh Expands Electric Bus Services with New Launch

Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards sustainable public transport with the launch of 25 new Type-I electric bus services in Mandi. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the efficiency of public transport. The state has procured 297 electric buses, with plans for further expansion, including 1,000 additional electric buses and 200 hydrogen-powered buses. This initiative is part of the government's vision for a 'Green Himachal,' promoting cleaner transportation options across the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 15:56 IST

Launch of New Electric Bus Services in Mandi

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Monday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated 25 new Type-I electric bus services for the Mandi district through a virtual event, further enhancing the state's electric public transport system.

The launch took place at Paddal Ground in Mandi town, aligning with the government's initiative to foster cleaner and more sustainable public transportation options.

The Chief Minister announced that the state has acquired 297 Type-I electric buses to bolster the fleet of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). These buses are currently operational in various locations including Shimla, Nahan, Nalagarh, Una, Haroli, Bilaspur, Dehra, Hamirpur, Palampur, Dharamshala, and Nagrota. With the establishment of charging stations in Kullu, Mandi, and Sundernagar, more electric bus services will be rolled out in these regions.

According to the Chief Minister, the Type-I electric buses can travel approximately 180 km on a single charge at 80% state of charge (SoC). He highlighted the successful performance of these buses, particularly on the Shimla-Chandigarh route, where one bus has managed nearly 270 km on a single charge.

The transition to electric buses is also proving to be cost-effective for HRTC, with savings of around ₹12-13 per kilometer in energy costs compared to traditional diesel buses.

The Chief Minister emphasized that expanding electric mobility will significantly lower carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while also enhancing public transport efficiency in the state. He noted that further development of charging infrastructure is essential to support the increasing electric fleet.

Regarding HRTC's financial health, Sukhu mentioned that the state government not only provides buses to the corporation but also allocates an annual grant of ₹840 crore. HRTC generates a similar amount in revenue from its operations.

The government aims to make HRTC self-sufficient within the next five years and has plans to acquire an additional 1,000 electric buses and 200 hydrogen-powered buses in the near future.

Sukhu stated that the vision of a 'Green Himachal' was outlined in the state government's initial budget, and the expansion of electric bus services is a key aspect of this vision.

The virtual event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Chand Sharma and HRTC Managing Director Shivam Pratap Singh, along with dignitaries such as HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Jal Prabandhan Board Vice Chairman Shashi Sharma, District Congress Committee Mandi President Champa Thakur, and other notable guests.