96% of HRTC routes under loss, government plans 701 new buses

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told the state assembly that 96 per cent of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) routes are currently operating at a loss. Despite this, the state government remains committed to continuing the corporation’s services, which have been vital for state connectivity over the last 50 years. The government contributes Rs 60-65 crore annually to cover salaries and pensions for HRTC employees.

Congress MLA Chander Shekhar from Dharampur highlighted the poor condition of HRTC buses in his constituency, with 36 out of 51 buses condemned. Shekhar raised concerns about the risk to passenger safety due to frequent accidents involving these outdated vehicles. In response, Agnihotri confirmed that HRTC is in the process of procuring 701 new buses, including 327 electric buses, 250 diesel buses, 24 Volvo buses and several tempo travellers. These buses would be distributed across various depots, including Dharampur.

In another query, Minister for Panchayati Raj Anirudh Singh reported the Centre has sanctioned 92,864 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for Himachal Pradesh. The Central Government is providing Rs 1.3 lakh per house, while the state contributes Rs 20,000. However, several MLAs raised concerns that claims had been cancelled for applicants who had already built homes. Singh clarified the guidelines do not allow the reassignment of claims.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu also shared that 1,714 soldiers from the state have been recognised as martyrs or battle casualties, with families receiving Rs 30 lakh and benefits such as free travel on HRTC buses. Additionally, Sukhu announced an increase in free medical tests at IGMC Shimla from 55 to 133 under the current government. BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar expressed frustration over the government's lack of response on unsafe state buildings.