HP mandates EV charging stations, introduces premium FAR structure

Shimla: Rajesh Dharmani, the minister for town and country planning, said on Tuesday that the state govt was firmly committed to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state by introducing key legislative reforms to promote sustainable urban development.Under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026, the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is mandatory in all commercial, public, semi-public buildings and real estate projects. The move aligns with the model building bye-laws and aims to ensure that the state's infrastructure evolves alongside the growing adoption of electric mobility, said the minister.
To further enhance energy efficiency, the govt strictly enforced the HP Energy Conservation Building Code and Rules, 2018. Specialised buildings such as hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and shopping complexes with a built-up area of 750 square metres or more are eligible for an additional 0.25 floor area ratio (FAR) over the base FAR of 1.75, provided they comply with the Energy Conservation Building Code standards.Developers must engage the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) – an authorised energy auditors to review project designs and supervise construction before occupancy certificates are granted by municipal authorities, said Dharmani.Additionally, the 18th Amendment Rules, 2026 introduce a structured fee system for premium FAR. Charges range from Rs 3,000 per square metre, for up to 0.25 premium FAR, to Rs 7,000 for ratios exceeding 0.50 FAR, applicable to new and upcoming real estate projects, he added.MSID:: 128966512 413 |Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !