Chamba to get state’s first green hydrogen-based mobility station

Tribune News Service

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Shimla, August 5

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that Chamba was all set to become the first district in Himachal Pradesh to have a green hydrogen-based mobility station.

The Chief Minister, who could not travel to Chamba due to inclement weather conditions, virtually presided over the closing ceremony of the international Minjar fair from the state capital. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various development projects totalling Rs 120.44 crore. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania was also present on the occasion.

“The National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) will construct this significant green initiative, led by the state government, and complete it by August 2025,” he said after virtually laying the foundation stone of the Green Hydrogen Mobility Station pilot project at Chamba. The project would cost Rs 14 crore.

He said, “The project will be located near the NHPC’s Chamera-III power station and will include a 300-kw grid-connected solar power plant to meet its energy needs. The plant will produce 20 kg of green hydrogen per day, which will be stored at pressures of 450 bar or higher to fuel a green hydrogen bus.” Additionally, a hydrogen dispenser unit would be set up to facilitate bus refueling, he added.

Sukhu said that the NHPC had started the tender process to procure a green hydrogen bus for Chamba, ensuring its availability once the pilot project becomes operational. “The launch of the project in Chamba district is expected to generate revenue and create employment opportunities,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that the government’s aim was to transform Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state by March 31, 2026, focusing on harnessing green energy to meet demands. He added that the foundation stone of the Chamba heliport would be laid soon and subsidy would be provided for flights to the region. Additionally, Rs 4 crore had been allocated for consultancy services for the construction of the Chamba-Chowari-Jot tunnel.

He laid the foundation stone of the Rs 35.38 crore mini-secretariat building in Chamba, Rs 11.12 crore indoor stadium at the police ground at Chamba and a Rs 4.64 crore multipurpose hall and library at Saru. He inaugurated a Rs 10.38 crore trauma care centre at Chamba Medical College, Rs 20.58 crore electricity sub-station, Rs 11.57 crore PG block at Government Degree College, Chamba, besides other projects.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh said that continuous efforts were being made to enhance employment, social security and resources in Chamba. The state government was committed to the all-round development of the entire state, including Chamba district, with tangible results already visible, he added.

MLA Neeraj Nayyar thanked the Chief Minister for addressing the development needs of Chamba district and inaugurating development projects.