HRTC fleet to get 1,000 new buses
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
The State Government was taking concrete steps to modernize and strengthen public transport infrastructure in the state. In a major initiative, 1,000 new buses would be added to the fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in a phased manner to enhance services and improve connectivity across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that 24 new Volvo buses have already been inducted into the HRTC fleet. Additionally, the procurement process was underway for 327 electric buses (including 297 Type-1 and 30 Type-3), 250 diesel buses and 100 mini-buses. Supply orders for 297 electric buses have already been issued. Plans were afoot to procure 500 more electric buses which would further boost the green mobility initiative in the state.
Agnihotri said that keeping in view the challenging terrain of the state, priority was being given to acquiring smaller and more accessible buses with seating capacities ranging from 37 to 42 seats. These buses would enable the Corporation to extend its services more effectively to far-flung and remote areas.
Presently, HRTC operates a fleet of approximately 3,200 buses. For the first time in the history of the state, government was replacing as many as 1,000 buses, a milestone unmatched by any previous administration, said Sh. Agnihotri. The large-scale addition of high-quality buses would not only enhance the operational capacity of HRTC but also bring greater convenience and comfort to passengers.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that in a hill state like Himachal Pradesh, roads were considered the lifelines of the people and HRTC serves as a vital link across these lifelines. Every day, lakhs of passengers rely on its services and the Corporation was ensuring connectivity even in the most remote and difficult regions.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that HRTC continues to operate on loss-making routes, upholding its commitment to public service. He said the State Government was extending all possible support to the Corporation and was working towards developing it as an independent, efficient and self-reliant entity.
He said that the government was committed to environmental protection, and around Rs. 110 crore has been approved for establishing electric charging stations across the state. While the procurement of electric buses was being undertaken directly by the government, HRTC was financing the purchase of diesel buses through its own resources.
To ensure last-mile connectivity in difficult terrain, 100 mini-buses were also being procured, said Sh. Agnihotri. These would play a critical role in reaching underserved areas and strengthening rural transport infrastructure and serve as benchmark for other states across the country.