The e-taxi program in Himachal Pradesh by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has begun.
CM Sukhu launched this plan on Monday at his home in Shimla. He had announced it in his first budget.
The e-taxi program is part of the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme.
The CM also unveiled the Transport Department’s website for online registration of e-taxis. People can register on the website within a month.
The Chief Minister mentioned that in the first phase, 500 e-taxi permits will be issued, and more will be added based on demand.
The government will give e-taxis to departments gradually to provide income to unemployed youth.
The state government is offering a 50 percent subsidy to youth for e-taxi purchases, and loan conditions will be relaxed.
Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that this scheme will create jobs, reduce air pollution, and make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026.
The government is also providing a 50 percent subsidy for e-bus and e-truck purchases. Private bus operators have been granted 24 permits for e-buses.
He mentioned that the state is preparing infrastructure for e-vehicle charging, with 17 e-charging stations expected in the next two months.
The Transport Department is also establishing e-charging stations. The government plans to convert all diesel buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation into e-buses, with the purchase of 300 e-buses in the first phase.
In the second phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, the government aims to encourage youth to set up solar energy projects.
The draft of this scheme is being finalized. In the third phase, subsidies will be provided to youth for agriculture-related projects, including a 90 percent subsidy for fish production.
The Chief Minister assured that all promises in the Congress party’s manifesto will be fulfilled.
The start-up scheme for youth and the restoration of the old pension for government employees have already been addressed.
Notable attendees at the launch included Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi, and other government officials.
