Green on Paper, Idle on Ground: The stalled EV Himachal's green dream project.

Y.S.Rana

Jun 15, 2026 - 15:58

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CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh’s flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) EV charging corridor has stalled due to bureaucratic delays and contractor inaction. While neighboring states aggressively expand highway networks, tourists and residents while in Himachal face a lack of infrastructure, with stations hidden inside restrictive government complexes rather than on major roadways. While country is moving towards electric mobility (EV) amid skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel Uttarakhand Neighboring states are aggressively expanding their highway EV networks to welcome the new generation of tourists.

As the country accelerates its shift toward electric mobility amid volatile fuel prices, Himachal Pradesh is rapidly losing its competitive edge in the premium tourism sector. Ambitious plans championed by the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) have stalled. Despite issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) over two years ago, the state's vision for a mountain-friendly charging network has turned into a major embarrassment for the transport sector.

The original 'Bill of Quantities' (BOQ) mandated strict 'way-side' amenities for these charging hubs. The contractor was contractually obligated to construct fully equipped tourist rest stops, complete with: Seating lounges and reception areas; Male and female washrooms and on-site kitchens and supermarkets. However, this public infrastructure has completely failed to materialize for the intended beneficiaries.

Far from the accessible highway pit-stops promised to travelers, the charging stations have been installed inside secured government complexes rather than on open tourist corridors. A review of the Himachal EV Network (HEVN) site map reveals that in and around Shimla, charging stations have been relegated to: the Director of Transport Office parking lots; local RTO office compounds and the Nahan Central Jail, ITI campuses, and PWD Circuit Houses. These places provide zero utility for tourists traveling in the hill state. There's neither room for essential amenities nor 24/7 access for weary travelers. Crucially, HEVN's listed locations on the high-traffic Shimla Circuit – the lifeline of Himachal's tourism economy – show that there is no trace of the project where it is really needed. Economic loss: Pushing premium tourism Market data consistently shows that EV owners have significantly higher disposable income. These are tourists who are willing to spend premium rates on hospitality and eco-tourism

These highly restrictive locations provide zero functional utility for tourists navigating the hill state. Travelers face a lack of essential amenities, compounded by the absence of (24/7) public access at many of these secure government sites are the subject of infrastructure confusion

As per the official 'Bill of Quantities' (BOQ), the state has made strong 'way-side' commitments with these charging hubs. 'Amenities' (road facilities) were made mandatory. The contractor is required to provide the supermarket, reception area including the contractor was to build a fully equipped tourist rest stop with male and female toilets, sitting lounge and kitchen. Contrary to these promises, the reality is that public infrastructure is being kept away from the public. According to the official website of the operator, Himachal EV Network (HEVN), the charging stations will be made accessible through tourism.

By failing to provide infrastructure to address “range anxiety” (fear of running out of battery), Himachal Pradesh is effectively closing its doors to this lucrative segment.As a result, EV owners are ignoring Himachal completely and opting for Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand government has aggressively prioritized the expansion of EV infrastructure along its eco-tourism circuit, ensuring seamless travel to destinations like Dehradun and Mussoorie thus change directly harming the revenue of the local economy of Himachal. Moreover, it exposes a blatant hypocrisy in a state that grapples with severe vehicular pollution and a fragile mountain ecology failure to support zero-emission vehicles forces continued reliance on highly polluting combustion engines (ICE).

Zero accountability, zero promptness -the operator appointed to implement this network – which is said to be managed by Delhi It is done by EVI Technologies – is sitting on this project without any fear. The original tender mandated 'Commercial Operation Date' (COD) within 365 days of site handing over. Additionally, the contract clearly outlines a penalty of Rs 25,000 per week (up to the maximum limit) for delay, after which the contract can be terminated. Yet, the nodal authority has shown zero promptness in enforcing these clauses, imposing fines on the operator, or demanding creation of mandatory 'way-side' facilities.

While private sector companies are rapidly deploying state-of-the-art charging hubs across the country, the Himachal government seems unable to force its own contractor to build a basic, accessible charging station outside a government building. Unless the Department of Transportation wakes up from its slumber, removes non-working operators and transfers these sites to actual public highways, Himachal Pradesh will remain stuck in the slow lane of India's green mobility revolution.