PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme implementation for hill states needs tailored relaxations to address geographical and operational challenges, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said while meeting Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Saturday.
Raising the issue of limited eligibility under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, the Chief Minister pointed out that existing norms based largely on population criteria have restricted Himachal Pradesh’s participation, despite the State’s strong push towards green and sustainable urban transport.
PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme norms limit hill state coverage
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that under the current framework, only Shimla qualifies for coverage as the scheme applies to cities with a population exceeding ten lakh. He said that the absence of special provisions for hill states has constrained the State’s ability to fully benefit from the scheme.
Highlighting the State’s urban growth pattern, he said that cities such as Dharamshala, Mandi, Solan, Palampur, Hamirpur, Una and Baddi are emerging as key centres of economic activity, education and employment. He urged that population norms be relaxed to allow these urban local bodies to be included.
State targets large-scale shift to electric buses
The Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to replacing diesel buses with electric buses on feasible routes to reduce air and noise pollution. He informed that the government has resolved to replace 1,500 diesel buses in a phased manner.
As part of this transition, Himachal Pradesh is in the process of procuring 297 electric buses during the current year under the CAPEX model using State resources, demonstrating its intent to strengthen sustainable public transport even beyond central assistance.
Operational challenges in hilly terrain flagged
Citing difficult terrain and longer travel times, the Chief Minister requested a reduction in the daily assured mileage under the OPEX model to 150 kilometres per bus for hill states, calling the existing targets unrealistic for mountainous regions.
He also sought revision of the operational assistance from Rs. 22 per kilometre to Rs. 52 per kilometre for hill states, stating that without such support, State transport undertakings would find it difficult to operate electric buses without financial losses.
Additional issues raised during the meeting
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also requested a No Objection Certificate from BBMB for the transfer of 47 bigha of surplus land at Sundernagar for establishing an integrated office of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), which currently operates from multiple locations.
He further suggested that capital assistance under the scheme be linked to actual mileage achieved to ensure fair reimbursement and improved operational efficiency.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured the Chief Minister of all possible support to the State.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, and senior State Government officers were present during the meeting.
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