Context:

• The state government of Himachal Pradesh is working on an ambitious plan to become country’s first Green state. The plan will involve bringing about transformative changes in society as well as economy. Undertaking major overhaul of the transport sector is one of the major components of the ambitious plan.

Key Points:

• As part of the plan, the state government is undertaking major steps in order to transform the state transport sector. In this regard, the concerned officials have recently announced that a new electric vehicle policy was being implemented in Himachal Pradesh with innovative ideas and the state government was taking steps towards reform in the transport sector.
• As per the policy envisaged, positive efforts would be made in the direction of radical change in the transport sector in the state. In this regard, discussions are being held at various levels to implement the new electric vehicle policy. In the initial phase, the operation of electric vehicles will be promoted in the HP Secretariat and thereafter the use of electric vehicles will be increased in public transport services as well.
• The state government has further planned that a fleet of electric vehicles would also be inducted in the Transport Department very soon and for which necessary instructions have been issued to the Director Transport.  Apart from this, talks would also be held with the central government. It is noteworthy herer that the concerned officials have underlined that environmental protection in the hill state and promoting the operation of electric vehicles in this tourism state is the priority of the state government and a decision will be taken soon about the purchase of electric vehicles.
• Further, while strengthening the vehicle licensing system, appropriate steps would also be taken in the direction of setting up new driving test tracks to ensure compliance with road safety standards. The officials have already been directed to conduct detailed study on viability of the plan. Himachal Road Transport Corporation currently has about 1000 vehicles of zero book value and these would be replaced by electric vehicles in a phased manner. It has further been planned that Electric buses would also be included in the corporation's fleet in the new electric vehicle policy.