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HP among leading states in NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index: Deputy CM
Mukesh Agnihotri, who also serves as the state’s transport minister, said Himachal emerging as one of the leading states in the NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index reflects the state’s commitment to green transport and sustainable development.
Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri (Express Photo)
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, while presiding over the fifth meeting of state Transport Development and Road Safety Council Tuesday, said the state is working to prioritise transparency, digital reforms, road safety, employment generation and green mobility in the transport sector.
Mukesh Agnihotri, who also serves as the state’s transport minister, said Himachal emerging as one of the leading states in the NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index reflects the state’s commitment to green transport and sustainable development.
He said the government will continue to work with full determination towards the vision of a “Green Himachal”.
From January 2023 to December 2025, the transport department generated a revenue of Rs 2,597.59 crore — Rs 1,098 crore (approximately 73 per cent) more than the corresponding period of the previous government, he said. This increase is a direct result of a strengthened enforcement system and digital initiatives.
The transport minister said as per the Explanatory Memorandum of the Finance Department for the year 2024-25, the transport department ranks second in the state in terms of revenue/tax collection, after the taxes and excise department.
The state is also establishing Automated Testing Stations (ATS) to make the vehicle fitness system scientific and transparent, he said. In the government sector, these centers will be set up at Haroli (Una) and Nadaun (Hamirpur), while in the private sector, the centres were approved at Ranital (Kangra), Bilaspur and Kangu (Mandi), Nalagarh (Solan) and Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur).
The state has completed the construction of the Ranital ATS and work at the remaining centers is progressing, he said. In addition, 95 per cent of the construction work of the Inspection and Certification Centre at Baddi has been completed and it will be operational soon.
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The minister also said to make vehicle fitness and transport services digital, transparent and citizen-friendly, the state will implement a fitness app and an auto-approval mechanism. Under this system, the commercial vehicles will be tested using photo and GPS-based evidence, and services like permits, driving licenses and fitness certificates will be automatically approved after all the required documents are comprehensive.
He said the paperless system will ensure timely services to citizens and will save them from making repeated visits to RTO offices.
The deputy chief minister Tuesday also launched an online reservation portal for Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) rest houses. The new system enables transparent and booking confirmation within two to three minutes. The JSV manages 87 rest houses with 324 rooms across the state. Bookings can be made through jsv.hp.nic.in or jsvresthouse.hp.gov.in. He announced that the tariff for Himachalis is fixed at Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for non-Himachalis, with an advance payment of 50 per cent.
A 50-point SOP on hygiene and maintenance was also implemented to improve service standards.
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