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HP CM Sukhvinder Sukhu writes to Railways, urges to explore possibility of Kalka-Shimla Rail Line on Green Hydrogen

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said that the State Government has urged the Union Ministry of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw to explore the possibility of converting the Kalka-Shimla UNESCO World Heritage train to run on green hydrogen.

In a letter written to the Union Railways Minister, he urged the ministry to consider transforming this historic rail line into a green energy-powered route. He added, “The state government aims to make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026 and has undertaken several initiatives to achieve this goal.”

Further he said that the State government is working on a six-pronged strategy to transform the State into a certified Green Energy State, contributing significantly to India’s climate commitments and aligning with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This strategic transition will ensure a fair and just shift towards sustainable energy while also boosting the state’s economy.

Sukhu stated that the State is on track to replace its current thermal power consumption of 1,500 Million Units (MUs) with renewable sources, including hydro, solar, and wind power. He said that currently, the state consumes 13,500 MUs of power, with a large portion already derived from renewable sources. Achieving 90 percent renewable energy consumption in the power distribution network will enable Himachal Pradesh to be certified as a fully Green State of the country. This transition is expected to be completed within a year and will also allow industries in the State to apply for the ‘Eco Mark’, enhancing the value of their products.

He said that the Government is also laying a strong focus on solar power generation, with plans to establish a capacity of 2,000 MW over the next four to five years. Solar power generation has doubled in the last two years, reflecting the government’s commitment to this clean energy source, he added.

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