Shimla: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is strengthening the charging infrastructure required for the operation of electric buses across the State. As part of this initiative, charging stations are being established at 80 locations at a cost of Rs. 122 crore. Charging stations have already been installed at 34 locations, while work at 21 locations is expected to be completed within the next one month. The process of establishing charging stations at the remaining 25 locations is also underway.
This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri while presiding over a review meeting with senior officials of HRTC today. He said that these charging stations are being established at HRTC bus stands and workshops, which will provide charging facilities for electric buses operating on various routes and further facilitate their smooth and efficient operation.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that the expansion of charging infrastructure, alongside the introduction of electric buses, is an important step towards strengthening a modern, economical and environment-friendly public transport system in the State. HRTC is developing the required facilities for the operation of electric buses in a phased manner to provide passengers with improved and modern transport services.
He said that a total of 99 charging points are being established at 80 locations across the State. These facilities will be equipped with 180-kilowatt fast CCS-2 chargers. He added that the charging stations are not being confined to major cities but are being established at various HRTC bus stands and workshops across the State. Charging stations will also be established at other locations in the future, wherever required.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that 297 electric buses currently form part of the HRTC fleet and are being successfully operated on both long and short distance routes. The operation of electric buses is helping the Corporation save approximately Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per kilometre in diesel expenditure, thereby reducing its operational costs.
He said that, generally, an electric bus can travel approximately 180 kilometres on a single charge. However, an electric bus is being successfully operated on the approximately 270 kilometre Haroli–Chandigarh route after a single charging. Similarly, on the approximately 250 kilometre Shimla-Chandigarh-Shimla route, the bus is completing the journey with around 25 percent battery charge remaining.
