The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh recently introduced electric buses on the famous route to Rohtang Pass which is situated at over 13,000 feet above mean sea level.
I shot this picture few days back - was used by the state's transport corporation on their page
The crucial 50km route from the city of Manali (6000 feet) to Rohtang is a fragile eco zone and the NGT or National Green Tribunal has done a lot to curb pollution. The running of electric buses is one such feat - possible due to both NGT and HRTC or Himachal Road Transport Corporation.
I stay in Manali a lot as I run a little hotel there and got to witness the bus running around a couple of times. Its a great feel to see a 'silent' bus going up and running with snow peaks in the back-drop. This also makes it the highest place anywhere in the world for an electric bus to operate.
The bus parked at top of Rohtang pass few days back
When the pass is under snow, the bus is operated till the point it is safe. More such buses will also be introduced to other routes in the same state.
These Goldstone buses are fully manufactured in the Indian IT hub of Hyderabad with the technology of BYD (a worldwide renowned electric bus manufacturer).
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