HP govt signs MoU to herald ‘green energy’ revolution

Shimla: Just a day before celebrating its two years in power with a show of strength at Bilaspur, the Himachal Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two leading companies on Tuesday to establish facilities on five selected green corridors in the state.

The initiative marks a significant step towards achieving the state government’s vision of a sustainable green future.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu presided over the ceremony which was also co-chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri ,who also holds the transport portfolio. Sukhu informed that as per the tender conditions approved, the company – Jio-BP – would develop the Mandi-Jogindernagar-Pathankot and Kiratpur-Manali-Keylong corridors, while EVI Technology would complete the work of Parwanoo-Una-Sansarpur Terrace-Nurpur and Parwanoo, Shimla-Reckong Peo-Losar corridors within one year.

Apart from this, Electroweb would work on developing the Shimla-Hamirpur-Chamba green corridors. As part of the project, the companies would establish EV charging stations, wayside amenities and supermarkets at 41 strategic locations along these corridors within a year.

The charging facility will be available for e-buses, e-trucks and other electric vehicles at the locations. Public amenities such as toilets and restaurants would also be established and the companies would pay Rs 75 lakh annually as lease money to the state government.

The CM said that the state government has decided to make Himachal a green energy state by 2026. This initiative would play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable environment for future generations.

The state government will bring in electric buses for the entire fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in a phased manner.