Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually flagged off 25 new type-1 electric buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for Mandi district from the Paddal ground on Monday. The move is part of the state government's push to expand its electric bus fleet and promote green public transport.
Himachal Pradesh Electric Bus Fleet Expansion
The Chief Minister said the state government had procured 297 type-1 electric buses to expand the HRTC's electric bus fleet. According to The Tribune, these new electric buses are currently operating in Shimla, Nahan, Nalagarh, Una, Haroli, Bilaspur, Dehra, Hamirpur, Palampur, Dharamsala and Nagrota.
The required vehicle charging infrastructure has been developed in Kullu, Mandi and Sundernagar, and the new electric bus services started operating in these areas on Monday, as reported by Himachal Pradesh Government.
Electric Bus Range and Performance Details
The Chief Minister highlighted the technical specifications of the new buses. The prescribed driving range of the type-1 electric buses is around 180 km at 80 per cent state of charge, according to Keekli.
"The required vehicle charging infrastructure has been developed in Kullu, Mandi and Sundernagar and these new electric bus services started operating in these areas on Monday." — Himachal Pradesh Government
The flag-off ceremony marks a significant step in the state's commitment to sustainable transportation. The introduction of these buses in Mandi district is expected to provide cleaner and more efficient public transport options for residents, as noted by Millennium Post.
Green Transport Initiative Across Districts
The expansion of the electric bus network covers multiple districts across the state. The buses are now operating in key areas including Shimla, the state capital, along with Nahan, Nalagarh, Una, Haroli, Bilaspur, Dehra, Hamirpur, Palampur, Dharamsala and Nagrota.
The addition of charging infrastructure in Kullu, Mandi and Sundernagar ensures that the new routes are fully supported. This infrastructure development is crucial for the smooth operation of the electric fleet in these newly covered areas.
Our Take: A Step Forward for Clean Public Transport
To put it plainly, this is a practical move by the Himachal government toward cleaner public transport. The virtual flag-off of 25 electric buses in Mandi is not just about adding vehicles — it is about building the infrastructure that makes electric transport workable in smaller towns.
The fact that charging stations have been set up in Kullu, Mandi and Sundernagar shows the government is thinking beyond just buying buses. It is preparing the ground for long-term use of electric vehicles in the state.
However, the real test will be in how these buses perform on hilly terrain and whether the 180 km driving range holds up in real-world conditions. For now, the expansion of the electric fleet across multiple districts is a positive sign for both commuters and the environment.
Residents in Mandi and nearby areas should benefit from cleaner air and more reliable public transport. The state government's push toward electric mobility aligns with broader national goals of reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector.