Shimla—Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri unveiled a significant overhaul of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) fleet today.
The plan includes 297 electric buses, 250 diesel buses, 25 Volvo buses, and 100 tempo travellers aimed at improving transportation services across the state.
Meanwhile, the citizens of the Shimla city also demand frequent HRTC service of electric busses in Peak Morning hours(from 9 to 1030 am) and Evening Hours (from 500 PM to 700 PM) in the city.
They also demand extension of the HRTC taxi service till 7 PM and proper timings and more taxis to BCS and Vikasnagar. They are at the mercy of the jammed and shabby private buses.
Addressing the media after a meeting with the HRTC Board of Directors, Agnihotri highlighted the importance of HRTC despite its financial troubles.
"We're working on boosting income and managing our expenses," Agnihotri said. "HRTC is in its 50th year and plays a crucial role in the state, serving 70 lakh people and transporting 4 to 5 lakh people daily."
While Agnihotri accepted the corporation's financial issues, he did not disclose specific loss figures.
"We are modernizing our fleet with 297 electric buses, 250 diesel buses, and 25 new Volvo buses. We also plan to introduce 100 tempo travellers. The procurement process is underway, and we aim to provide top-notch services."
Agnihotri emphasized transparency, noting that HRTC's financial status will be made clear to the public.
"We want residents to understand HRTC's expenses, from employee salaries to operational costs. A long-term plan for making HRTC self-sufficient will be shared with the cabinet and Chief Minister.", he said.
On the topic of recruitment, Agnihotri announced that hiring for drivers, which had been stalled, will resume.
"Driver recruitment is critical for passenger safety. We are committed to hiring the best candidates based on merit, without any recommendations."
The fleet upgrade is expected to enhance HRTC's service quality and operational efficiency, benefiting commuters across Himachal Pradesh.
