In yet another first-of-its-kind initiative in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the UT Transport Department, led by Secretary-cum-Transport Commissioner Amit Sharma, organised a half-day workshop on March 19 to deliberate upon and brainstorm among all the stakeholders of transport sector towards promoting the usage of Zero Emission Vehicles for freight transport to make it first carbon neutral state/UT of the nation.

Secretary of Transport Amit Sharma, in his address, highlighted the successful completion of E-3 and E-4 Wheelers’ trials conducted in the months of August and September last year. The trial exercise demonstrated that E-3 and E-4 wheeler operations are feasible in UT Ladakh and would result in substantial operating cost reductions for the owners/drivers. 

Amit further shared that Ladakh is relentlessly working towards its carbon neutrality mission and its initiatives last year were chosen from India for presentation in the United Nations' top environment awareness initiative COP-28 held in Dubai last year. He further mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding is going to be inked soon between NTPC and the Transport Department to dedicate five hydrogen-cell fuel buses to the public of Ladakh which is the first such initiative in the nation. 

Apart from this, a detailed presentation by the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) was made before the Secretary of Transport Amit Sharma and all stakeholders to share the course of trials, merits, and needs of Zero Emission Vehicles in the UT of Ladakh. It was followed by detailed brainstorming sessions on establishing EV Charging Stations here along with actively involving defence institutions, which are present in a good number in the UT of Ladakh. 

Secretary Transport also talked about the UT Administration’s role in encouraging Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the Corporates, especially financial institutions active in the UT to establish EV Charging Stations in UT Ladakh as part of their respective Corporate Social Responsibility. 

The organisers were requested by Transport Secretary Amit Sharma to organise an EV/ZEV Himalayan Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Rally here in Ladakh, which shall be a novel initiative, in the coming peak summer season this year, along with an Investors’ Meet to highlight Ladakh initiatives and steps being taken towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In concluding remarks, Amit Sharma and his team complimented organisers for this workshop, stating that these initiatives mark an important step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions in Ladakh and set a perfect trend in the entire nation.

This Workshop was attended by ARTO Leh, members of the Transport Association, the driving community, and leading media persons of UT of Ladakh.