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Himachal Pradesh Makes EV Charging Facilities Mandatory in Commercial and Public Buildings

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has introduced a new rule requiring the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in commercial, public, and semi-public buildings. The provision has been included under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Rules, 2026, according to Rajesh Dharmani, the state’s Minister for Town and Country Planning.

The initiative aligns with the Model Building Bye-Laws, ensuring that the state’s urban infrastructure keeps pace with the growing adoption of electric mobility. Under the updated rules, real estate developments and large buildings will now need to incorporate EV charging facilities as part of their planning and construction process.

To promote energy-efficient construction, the state has also strengthened the implementation of the HP Energy Conservation Building Code (HPECBC) Rules, 2018. As part of the policy, specialised structures such as hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and shopping complexes with an area of 750 square meters or more will be eligible for an additional 0.25 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) over the standard base FAR of 1.75, provided they meet ECBC efficiency standards.

For compliance verification, developers will be required to appoint Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)-authorised Energy Auditors to review building designs and monitor construction stages before occupancy certificates are granted by municipal authorities.

Additionally, the government has introduced the 18th Amendment Rules, 2026, which set a structured fee framework for Premium FAR in real estate developments. The charges start at Rs 3,000 per square meter for up to 0.25 premium FAR and can rise to Rs 7,000 per square meter for FAR above 0.50. These charges will not apply to projects that already have completion certificates, but they will be applicable to new buildings within ongoing developments and all future real estate projects.