India՚s First Electric Bus Service Launched in Himachal Pradesh

India՚s first electric bus service launched at Rohtang Pass area in Himachal Pradesh is first of its kind electric bus service for tourist spot and first in world at an altitude of 13,000 feet.

Map of Rohtang Pass
  • Electric bus will ply between Manali and Rohtang using a fleet of 10 electric buses.
  • Launched to relieve the concerns over environment degradation in Rohtang Pass area due to plying of diesel taxis.
  • Initiative aims to curb carbon emission resulting in melting of glaciers in Himalayas.

Zero-Emission Transportation in Rohtang Pass Area

  • Himachal Pradesh forced to introduce zero-emission transportation facility in ecologically fragile areas after National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed restriction on entry of vehicles to Rohtang Pass.
  • NGT was concerned over melting of glaciers in Rohtang Pass as they were receding at an alarming rate of 19 - 20 meters per year.
  • Entry of vehicles to Rohtang pass was already restricted to 1,000 vehicles per day, including both diesel and petrol vehicles but electric and CNG vehicles are exempted.

Advantages of Electric Buses

Electric vehicle uses electric motors for propulsion using self-contained battery, solar panels, or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity.

  • EVs include road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft and electric spacecraft.
  • Release no tail pipe air pollutants at location of operation.
  • They generate less noise pollution than an internal combustion engine vehicle, whether at rest or in motion.
  • Electric and hybrid cars consume energy, which can be generated using renewable means.

About Rohtang Pass

  • Rohtang Pass at elevation of 3,978 m is high mountain pass on eastern Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas 51 km from Manali.
  • Connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh
  • It is highest mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.
  • Provides a natural divide between the Kullu Valley with a primarily Hindu culture (in the south) , and the arid high-altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys with a Buddhist culture (in the north) .
  • Lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Beas basins with Beas emerging on the southern side from underground and flows southward, and Chandra River (a source stream of the river Chenab) flows westward from the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Rohtang pass is very important for strategic purposes so is kept open throughout the year.

Examrace Team at Aug 22, 2021