Shimla, Feb 18 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday flagged off an electric bus for Shimla city.

He said 50 electrical buses would ply in the city.

"This would help in protecting the pristine environment of Shimla," he told reporters.

In his Budget speech, Thakur announced to bring a new electric vehicle policy from the next fiscal for enabling provision of safe, environment friendly, contemporary and sustainable transport facilities.

--IANS vg/oeb/ab