Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated the redeveloped Fountain Chowk at Kotwali Bazaar, executed by Dharamshala Smart City Limited at a cost of ₹70 lakh, and dedicated a two-storey e-bus charging depot and maintenance centre developed at the old HRTC workshop premises at a cost of ₹11.90 crore.
Reaffirming the state government’s focus on sustainable urban development, the Chief Minister also approved three new intra-city e-bus routes to strengthen public transport in Dharamshala.
Sukhu said the redevelopment of Fountain Chowk aims to ease traffic congestion in Kotwali Bazaar while preserving the area’s cultural and historical character. As part of the redesign, the fountain and statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh have been repositioned to improve traffic flow, while the Ramleela stage and fountain area have been integrated into a unified public plaza for better urban utility.
He said the upgraded chowk now features traditional murals, modern lighting, seating arrangements, a variable messaging system and an aesthetically designed central fountain, reflecting a balance between heritage and modern urban planning.
Highlighting the e-bus charging depot, the Chief Minister said the facility marks a key step towards promoting clean and green public transport in the state. He added that similar infrastructure will be developed across Himachal Pradesh to support the expansion of electric mobility.
Sukhu appreciated the efforts of Dharamshala Smart City Limited and HRTC, saying the new facility will improve the efficiency, maintenance and operation of electric buses, strengthening the government’s push for sustainable and modern urban mobility.
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