The Government of Himachal Pradesh has introduced new regulations requiring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in commercial, public and semi-public buildings as well as new real estate developments. The mandate comes under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026, aimed at strengthening infrastructure to support the growing adoption of electric mobility.
Officials said the move aligns with national model building bye-laws, ensuring that urban infrastructure evolves alongside India’s transition toward cleaner transportation.
According to Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Town and Country Planning, the state government is taking significant policy steps to position Himachal Pradesh as a green energy state by integrating sustainability into urban development regulations.
EV Charging Infrastructure Becomes Mandatory
Under the updated planning rules, developers will now be required to install EV charging facilities in commercial complexes, public institutions and semi-public infrastructure projects.
The regulation ensures that the state’s built environment supports the increasing number of electric vehicles expected in the coming years.
The policy aims to create future-ready infrastructure, enabling property developers, institutions and businesses to accommodate EV adoption without requiring major retrofits later.
Additional FAR Incentives for Energy-Efficient Buildings
To promote energy-efficient construction, the state government has strengthened the implementation of the HP Energy Conservation Building Code (HPECBC) Rules 2018.
Under these rules, specialised buildings—including hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and shopping complexes—covering 750 square metres or more can receive additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) incentives.
Key provisions include:
Base FAR: 1.75
Additional FAR incentive: 0.25
Applicable to projects that comply with Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) standards.
These incentives are designed to encourage developers to incorporate energy-efficient materials, improved insulation, and sustainable building technologies.
Mandatory Energy Audits for Compliance
To ensure strict implementation of energy efficiency standards, developers will now be required to work with authorised auditors from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
These certified auditors will:
Evaluate building designs
Monitor energy compliance during construction
Verify adherence to ECBC norms before project completion
Municipal authorities will issue occupancy certificates only after receiving compliance verification from these auditors.
Premium FAR Fee Structure Introduced
The government has also introduced a structured fee system for premium FAR under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (18th Amendment) Rules, 2026.
The revised rules allow developers to purchase additional FAR by paying defined charges during the project planning stage.
Premium FAR Charges
₹3,000 per sq. metre for up to 0.25 premium FAR
₹7,000 per sq. metre for FAR exceeding 0.50
The fee structure will apply to:
New real estate developments
New construction blocks within ongoing projects
However, completed projects with existing occupancy certificates are exempt from these charges.
Boost for Sustainable Urban Development
The new rules are part of a broader strategy to integrate sustainability, electric mobility and energy efficiency into urban planning across Himachal Pradesh.
By mandating EV charging infrastructure, incentivising green buildings and regulating premium FAR usage, the government aims to create a balanced framework for environmentally responsible real estate growth.
Industry observers believe the policy could also encourage developers to adopt smart building practices and energy-efficient designs, while supporting India’s larger goal of transitioning toward sustainable mobility.
