The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is shifting gears towards a cleaner future. In a significant move to overhaul its aging fleet and reduce carbon emissions in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem, the corporation is set to induct 297 new electric buses.
This procurement is a critical part of the state government’s ambitious goal to transform Himachal Pradesh into a ‘Green Energy State’ by the end of March 2026.
Breaking Down the Fleet According to officials, the tender process for these buses has been completed. The new fleet will be a mix of “Type-1” and “Type-3” electric buses.
- Type-1 Buses: These are smaller, more maneuverable vehicles designed for short-distance travel and the narrow, winding roads of rural Himachal. They are expected to serve local commuters within districts.
- Type-3 Buses: These are larger, heavy-duty buses intended for longer routes, offering better seating capacity and comfort for inter-district travel.
The Trial Phase: Testing the Terrain However, introducing electric vehicles (EVs) in the Himalayas is not as simple as deploying them in the plains. The battery consumption on steep inclines and the braking efficiency on sharp descents need rigorous testing.
To address this, HRTC has identified 36 specific areas across the state where these buses will undergo trial runs. These trials will evaluate the operational feasibility, battery range under load, and charging intervals required for different routes. The corporation wants to ensure that passengers don’t face breakdowns in remote areas due to charge depletion.
Infrastructure Challenges The arrival of these buses also puts pressure on the supporting infrastructure. HRTC is simultaneously working on upgrading its workshops and establishing charging stations at key bus depots. Without a robust charging network, the operational efficiency of these 297 buses would remain limited.
For the daily commuter in Himachal, this news promises a quieter, smoother, and smoke-free ride. It also signals that the state is moving past the pilot stage of electric mobility and entering a phase of mass adoption.
