The initiative will span the entire state, with approximately 1,000 routes identified across various sub-divisions.

The Himachal Pradesh government has officially launched Phase IV of the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Startup Yojana, a strategic initiative designed to empower unemployed local youth. This public welfare scheme aims to simultaneously bolster the rural public transport network, encourage self-employment, and accelerate the state’s transition toward eco-friendly mobility.

Under this new phase, the government is providing significant financial assistance to eligible residents for the operation of passenger buses. The scheme offers a 50 percent capital subsidy for purchasing electric buses and a 30 percent capital subsidy for those acquiring diesel buses. To ensure long-term viability, the state will also provide a monthly operational incentive of 65,000 rupees for electric bus operators and 50,000 rupees for diesel bus operators for a period of five years.

The initiative will span the entire state, with approximately 1,000 routes identified across various sub-divisions. To qualify, buses must have a minimum capacity of 32 seats. The program is specifically targeted at improving connectivity to essential locations, including schools, hospitals, and remote panchayats.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to reducing the financial burden on young entrepreneurs. By providing these subsidies and operational guarantees, the state aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while modernizing the public transport infrastructure for all citizens.