HRTC’s Green Dreams Still Stuck in Traffic: New Diesel Buses Raise Eyebrows as Debt-Ridden Transport Corp Struggles to Revamp Rural Services
Shimla, February 22: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), drenched in debt, is once again banking on diesel buses to strengthen its fleet—putting its green ambitions on the backseat.
Despite plans to introduce electric buses, the corporation’s decision to purchase 250 diesel buses has sparked questions about its commitment to eco-friendly transportation, especially in the wake of government directives to phase out 15-year-old diesel buses.
At the 159th Board of Directors meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, HRTC cleared the decks for purchasing around 700 buses.
While formalities for acquiring 297 Type-1 e-buses are complete—pending cabinet nod—the decision to buy 250 diesel buses and re-tender for 100 mini buses has raised concerns.
With pollution choking Himachal’s hill towns, environmentalists question whether HRTC’s green mission is merely a distant dream.
The Deputy CM assured that 297 e-buses will hit the roads within four months, alongside 23 more electric buses.
Meanwhile, 24 super luxury buses are in the pipeline, awaiting cabinet approval, Agnihotri said.
Yet, critics point out that the reliance on diesel buses dilutes the state’s push for sustainable mobility.
“The arrival of new buses will help improve connectivity to remote villages,” said Agnihotri, acknowledging that removing older diesel buses would shrink the fleet temporarily.
However, this move to replenish with diesel models leaves many questioning HRTC’s long-term strategy.
Financially, HRTC’s situation is far from smooth.
While it clocked a revenue of ₹70 crore last year, insiders suggest that debts and operational costs continue to weigh it down.
Managing Director Rohan Chand Thakur emphasized that efforts are underway to boost efficiency and revenue, but the road ahead remains bumpy.
Critics argue that HRTC must urgently revamp rural transport services and tap into new revenue avenues like the Maha Kumbh Mela, where the lack of reliable buses cost the corporation a golden opportunity.
The recent failure to deploy adequate buses for pilgrims exposed HRTC’s logistical shortcomings.
As Himachal gears up to modernize its transport network, the mixed approach—combining electric and diesel buses—signals that HRTC’s journey toward sustainability still has a long way to go.
Until then, its green mission remains stuck in traffic, with debt in the rearview mirror and diesel fumes clouding the road ahead.
