HP Invites Private Players To Expand EV Charging Network

Himachal Pradesh Invites Private Players To Expand EV Charging Network

By Chitrika Grover/ Updated On Wed, Oct 23rd, 2024

Highlights :

Through this initiative the government aims to set up five such stations to better serve the residents of the state.

Himachal Pradesh Invites Private Players To Expand EV Charging Network

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in a recent meeting, approved involving private players to expand the EV charging station network along the state’s six green corridors. It was highlighted that 77 EV charging stations are already operational on these corridors.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of automated testing stations for vehicle fitness assessments, utilizing advanced automated equipment. In a cabinet meeting, the Himachal Pradesh government stated, “Through this initiative the government aims to set up five such stations to better serve the residents of the state. Additionally, the cabinet accepted the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, regarding the 450 MW Shongtong Karchham Power Project. This includes the directive for the company to ensure the project’s completion by the financial year 2026-27.”

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to review the operations of parking facilities run under the PPP model in Shimla City. The committee will be chaired by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, with Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharamani as members. Shimla MLA Harish Janartha will serve as a special invitee. The committee will review the operations of Lift Parking, Chhota Shimla Parking, Sanjauli Parking, New Bus Stand Parking, and Tutikandi Parking.

Himachal Pradesh To Invest In Pumped Storage projects

Earlier this year, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the State has decided to enter the sector of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). He said that PSPs are considered one of the most dependable mechanisms towards a balanced supply of power from renewable sources like solar and wind energy. Himachal has been the leader in mini-hydel plants till now, accounting for a majority of India’s mini-hydel power plant capacity.

In the last Cabinet meeting, the state approved two such proposals for the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) -the 1630 MW Renukaji Pump Storage Project in Sirmaur district and the 270 MW Thana Plaun Pump Storage Project in the Beas Basin of Mandi district. With these initiatives, Himachal Pradehesh is making a gradual shift towards renewable energy.