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Shimla, June 29
The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday announced the fourth phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Start-up Yojana, aiming to help unemployed young people start their own transport businesses while improving public transport services and encouraging cleaner mobility across the state. Under the new scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a 50% subsidy to purchase electric buses and a 30% subsidy for diesel buses to operate passenger services on around 1,000 identified routes.
To support operators in the initial years, the government will also provide a monthly operational incentive of Rs 65,000 for electric buses and Rs 50,000 for diesel buses for five years.
Officials said the initiative is designed to create self-employment opportunities while improving transport links to schools, hospitals, government offices, industrial areas, tourist destinations and remote villages.
The scheme will cover the entire state, with at least 10 routes identified in every sub-division. Passenger buses with a minimum seating capacity of 32 will be eligible.
It will be implemented by the Department of Labour, Employment and Overseas Placement in coordination with the Transport Department and district administrations.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh, aged between 25 and 50 years, hold a valid heavy vehicle driving licence with at least three years’ experience, and personally operate the bus.
Preference will be given to candidates registered with state employment exchanges, while applicants from economically weaker families will receive priority during the selection process.
To improve transparency and passenger safety, all buses operating under the scheme will be fitted with GPS-based vehicle tracking systems and monitored regularly.
The government has also announced concessions for passengers. Women travelling on buses under the scheme will receive a 50% fare discount, while school students up to Class XII will be eligible for concessional travel through special passes.
Officials believe the programme will generate new employment opportunities, strengthen public transport in rural areas, support tourism and local businesses, and encourage a shift towards cleaner transport technologies.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the scheme was intended to reduce the financial burden on unemployed youth seeking to establish transport enterprises.
He said the higher subsidy for electric buses reflects the government’s commitment to promoting green mobility, reducing carbon emissions and creating a cleaner environment, while helping young entrepreneurs build sustainable livelihoods.
