Shimla Goes Green: CM Flags Off Electric Waste Collection Fleet. 

Shimla:

In a significant push towards sustainable urban development, on Monday Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 10 electric waste collection vehicles for from the Himachal Pradesh State Secretariat.

With this initiative, the Municipal Corporation Shimla has become the first urban local body in the state to begin transitioning its waste management fleet to electric vehicles in a phased manner, marking a key milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s green mobility mission.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that extensive trial runs of the vehicles were conducted between November 10 and 14, 2025, during which they successfully navigated the city’s challenging terrain and operating conditions. Each vehicle has a waste collection capacity of one tonne and has been procured at a cost of Rs. 13.98 lakh.

He further informed that dedicated charging infrastructure has been installed at the Municipal Corporation’s parking facility to ensure smooth and efficient operations. On a full charge, each vehicle can travel approximately 130 to 150 kilometers, making them well-suited for daily municipal duties.

Highlighting the broader vision, Sukhu emphasized that promoting e-mobility was a key focus in the state government’s first budget. He noted that the introduction of electric vehicles in waste management would contribute significantly to environmental conservation while also reducing operational costs amid rising fuel prices.

“The government is committed to making Himachal Pradesh a green state, and initiatives like these will play a crucial role in achieving that goal,” he said.

The Chief Minister also lauded the efforts of the Municipal Corporation Shimla for taking a lead in adopting eco-friendly practices.

The move is expected to set a precedent for other urban local bodies in the state to adopt cleaner and more sustainable waste management practices.