Govt signs MoU to develop infra for e-vehicles in green corridors

The state government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two companies to develop electric vehicles infrastructure across five selected green corridors in the state.

As per the MoU, the companies would establish electric vehicles charging stations, way-side amenities and supermarkets at 41 strategic locations along these corridors within a year. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Jio-BP would develop the Mandi-Jogindernagar-Pathankot and Kiratpur-Manali-Kelang corridors, while EVI Technology would complete the work of Parwanoo-Una-Sansarpur Terrace-Nurpur and Parwanoo, Shimla-Reckong Peo-Losar corridors within one year. Besides, he said, Electroweb Company would work on developing the Shimla-Hamirpur-Chamba Green Corridors.

The Chief Minister said that charging facility would be made available for e- vehicles at these 41 locations. “Public amenities such as toilets and restaurants would also be established at these places and the companies would pay Rs 75 lakh annually as lease money to the state government,” the Chief Minister said.

“This initiative would play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable environment for future generations,” he said, adding that Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) would gradually replace its fleet of buses with electric vehicles.

On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the state was planning to procure 350 e-buses. “The establishment of these green corridors would also encourage private vehicle owners to switch to electric vehicles,” he said.

Director Transport Department DC Negi signed the MoU on behalf of the state government with the representatives of EVI Technology and Jio-BP.