In a move to promote sustainable mobility, the Himachal Pradesh government has made it mandatory for all new commercial, public, and semi-public buildings to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The regulation was introduced under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani said the amendment aligns state building regulations with model building bye-laws for EV charging infrastructure. The mandate applies to a wide range of properties, including commercial complexes, hospitality, healthcare, educational institutions, and retail buildings.
Compliance and Implementation
Under the updated rules:
- Developers must include EV charging facilities in all new project approvals.
- Buildings with a footprint of 750 square meters or more must meet energy conservation and charging infrastructure standards to qualify for additional floor area benefits.
- Compliance will be verified by Bureau of Energy Efficiency-authorised energy auditors before municipal authorities issue occupancy certificates.
The mandate applies to new constructions and new blocks in ongoing projects. Completed projects with existing occupancy certificates are exempt. The amendment also introduces a fee structure linked to additional floor area ratios based on project size.
Policy Goals
The government said the move aims to integrate green infrastructure into urban development and support the state’s broader push for electric mobility. Officials said it will help expand the EV charging network as electric vehicle adoption grows across India.
“This initiative ensures that new urban developments are sustainable and future-ready while encouraging EV adoption,” said an official from the Town and Country Planning Department.
Context in India
Across India, several states and agencies have introduced similar measures to support EV infrastructure. Initiatives include mandatory EV chargers at new fuel outlets and doorstep EV charging services in metro regions. Himachal Pradesh’s new rule is expected to strengthen its green mobility ecosystem and encourage wider use of electric vehicles.
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