Himachal Pradesh to offer 50 pc subsidy on e-buses, 30 pc on diesel buses

Shimla, June 29 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government is set to roll out Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-up Yojana Phase-IV to create self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth while strengthening public transport connectivity and promoting environmentally sustainable mobility across the state, officials said on Monday. To encourage participation, the government will provide a 50 per cent subsidy for the purchase of electric buses and a 30 per cent subsidy for diesel buses to eligible beneficiaries for operating buses on about 1,000 identified routes across the state. In addition, beneficiaries will receive a monthly operational incentive of Rs 65,000 for electric buses and Rs 50,000 for diesel buses for a period of five years, a statement issued here said. The scheme will cover the entire state, with a minimum of 10 routes identified in every sub-division. Passenger buses with a minimum seating capacity of 32, both diesel and electric, will be eligible. The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Labour, Employment and Overseas Placement in coordination with the Department of Transport and the District Administration. It envisages the operation of passenger buses on specified intra-subdivision routes, improving access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government offices, industrial areas, tourist destinations and remote panchayats. Applicants must be bona fide residents of Himachal Pradesh, aged between 25 and 50 years, possess a valid heavy driving licence, with at least three years' experience and personally operate the vehicle. Preference will be accorded to candidates registered with Employment Exchanges in the state, while the selection process will primarily be based on annual family income, giving priority to economically weaker applicants. To ensure efficient and transparent service delivery, all buses will be equipped with GPS-based vehicle tracking systems and their operations will be monitored regularly. Women passengers travelling in buses operated under the scheme will receive a 50 per cent concession in fare, while school students up to Class XII will be provided concessional travel through a special pass. The government expects the initiative to generate substantial self-employment opportunities for youth, improve rural connectivity, strengthen the public transport network, support tourism and local economic activities, and accelerate the adoption of cleaner transportation technologies. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the scheme reflects the state government's commitment to empowering unemployed youth by enabling them to establish sustainable transport enterprises with reduced financial burden. He said the enhanced subsidy for electric buses underscores the Government's commitment to promoting green mobility, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations. The initiative, he added, would not only create sustainable livelihood opportunities but also accelerate the transition towards eco-friendly public transportation across the State. PTI BPL SHM