Kangra gives push to green mobility

In a decisive move toward sustainability, the Transport Department has announced the establishment of five new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Kangra district. The project will be executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aimed at boosting eco-friendly mobility and reducing vehicular pollution in the region.

The proposed charging stations will be strategically located in Dhagwar, Jwalaji, Fatehpur, Dehra, and Nurpur, ensuring easy accessibility for EV users across the district. The initiative is expected to enhance long-distance EV travel while encouraging local adoption of cleaner transportation alternatives.

According to Munish Soni, RTO Dharamshala, each station will require about one kanal of land. “While minimal space is enough for basic infrastructure, we are exploring larger sites to accommodate heavy-duty vehicle parking,” he said.

Sources indicate that the stations planned near national highways may include way-side amenities to enhance usability and commercial appeal, offering added convenience to travelers.

Environmentalists have welcomed the move. “Air pollution, especially from increasing tourist traffic, is putting pressure on Kangra’s delicate mountain ecosystem,” noted Prem Sagar, a well-known Dharamshala-based environmentalist. He emphasized that grassroots initiatives like these charging stations are critical to meeting local and global climate goals. “Kangra is setting an example for other districts in Himachal Pradesh,” he added.