Himachal Pradesh Mandates EV Charging Stations in Commercial Buildings
The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step towards sustainable urban development by making it mandatory to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in commercial, public, and semi-public buildings, as well as real estate projects. This new requirement is part of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026, which were announced on Tuesday.
The move aligns with the model building by-laws to ensure that the state’s physical infrastructure keeps pace with the growing adoption of electric mobility. According to Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, the Himachal Pradesh government is committed to becoming a green energy state. To achieve this goal, the government has introduced several legislative changes to promote sustainable infrastructure in urban development.
Dharmani emphasized that the state government has also strictly implemented the Himachal Pradesh Energy Conservation Building Code (HPECBC) and Rules 2018 to further encourage energy efficiency. Under these rules, specialized buildings such as hospitality units, hospitals, educational institutions, and shopping complexes with a built-up area of 750 square meters or more will be allowed an additional 0.25 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) over the base FAR of 1.75, provided they comply with Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) standards.
To ensure compliance, developers will now be required to appoint Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) authorized Energy Auditors to examine project designs and monitor construction before municipal authorities issue occupancy certificates. This stringent monitoring system is designed to ensure that all new developments meet the high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Speaking about the economic framework of urban expansion, Dharmani also detailed the 18th Amendment Rules, 2026, which introduce a structured fee system for Premium FAR in real estate projects. Under the new rules, the charges will range from Rs 3,000 per square meter for up to 0.25 premium FAR and go up to Rs 7,000 for ratios exceeding 0.50.
These charges will not apply to projects that have already been completed and issued certificates. However, they will be mandatory for new blocks in ongoing projects and for all upcoming real estate developments. This allows developers the option to purchase additional FAR during the initial planning stage, providing flexibility while ensuring sustainable growth.
The implementation of these new rules is expected to significantly boost the adoption of green energy solutions in Himachal Pradesh, making it a model state for sustainable urban development. The government's commitment to these initiatives reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting a greener future for the region.
