In a significant move to promote eco-friendly transportation and generate employment opportunities for its youth, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new subsidy scheme. Unemployed youth above 23 years will be eligible for a 50% subsidy on loans to purchase electric taxis (e-taxis) and electric buses (e-buses), without needing a collateral guarantee.
The initiative, part of the Rs 680 crore first phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Yojna, includes a dedicated website by the Transport Department to facilitate online registration. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted that this move fulfills a key promise made in the Pratigya Patra of the Congress Party.
Under this scheme, the government will initially issue 500 permits for e-taxis, with plans to increase this number based on demand. The scheme is designed to ensure a monthly income of about Rs 40,000 for participants. Additionally, the Chief Minister underscored the state’s commitment to becoming a green state by 2026.
The scheme promises substantial financial support for purchasing e-vehicles. For instance, if the cost of an e-taxi is Rs 20 lakh, the subsidy offered will be Rs 10 lakh. These e-taxis will be attached to various government departments, providing a steady source of income for the owners.
To support the smooth operation of these e-vehicles, charging points will be established at all petrol pumps of Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum. Furthermore, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the State Electricity Board have been tasked with setting up e-charging stations along six identified corridors.
The government also plans to revolutionize its public transport by replacing approximately 3,000 HRTC buses with e-buses over the next three years. An initial purchase of 350 e-buses is on the cards, and a subsidy of Rs 50 lakh will be provided for e-buses costing Rs 1 crore.
Looking ahead, the government is preparing to launch the second phase of this scheme, focusing on solar energy projects, followed by the third phase, which will offer subsidies for agriculture-related activities, including pisciculture.
This multi-phased approach demonstrates Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and job creation, marking a significant step towards a greener and more prosperous future.
