Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushes for Green Mobility and Infrastructure Development

In a significant step towards sustainable development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting with Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh at Raj Bhavan in Dehradun on Tuesday. The two discussed an array of matters, prominently focusing on the state's development strategies, inclusive of the current Kanwar Yatra and Char Dham Yatra.

Earlier, during a thorough assessment of the Transport Department, Dhami urged officials to initiate the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Seva Yojana without delay. Instructions were also laid out for the swift establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Uttarakhand to encourage green transit solutions.

In a move to boost eco-conscious transportation, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of a green cess on vehicles from other states and promptly finish the construction of bus depots. He urged for the necessary charging stations near essential spots like bus depots and petrol stations to ensure driver accessibility. According to the release, increasing the Transport Corporation's revenue remains a priority.

Reena Joshi, Managing Director of Transport Corporation, detailed plans to launch the E-Bus Seva Yojana in Dehradun and Haridwar, introducing 150 electric buses. The initiative seeks to deliver smooth and eco-friendly transit, adding approximately 750 new jobs.

The state government prioritizes the advancement of EV infrastructure to reduce pollution, with 28 e-V charging stations already in place, according to government sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)