HRTC fleet covers distances beyond Earth & Sun in a year
Himachal Pradesh, a state celebrated for its cool valleys and picturesque hills, is home to a remarkable transport network that stretches across its mountainous terrain. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) covers a daily distance equivalent to circling the Earth 14 times, travelling an impressive 5.6 lakh km. Annually, this distance totals around 200 million km—more than the distance from Earth to the Sun (about 149.6 million km). These figures emphasise not only the physical reach of HRTC’s service but also its significance to the people of this small yet diverse state.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the HRTC has established itself as a leading transport service in India. Despite facing greater challenges than other regions due to Himachal’s rugged landscape, the corporation’s fleet of 3,180 buses reliably operates over 2,684 routes. With a workforce of 11,067 employees, HRTC ensures that its buses—some of which have even made cameo appearances in Bollywood films—continue to navigate challenging roads and challenging weather, from snow-covered peaks to the monsoon rains. These dedicated efforts ensure that the people of Himachal Pradesh are connected to every corner of the state, regardless of the season.
HRTC’s Managing Director Rohan Chand Thakur recently expressed pride in the corporation’s journey over the past five decades. He highlighted the uniqueness of Himachal’s transport network, which has built a reputation for reaching places that many other transport systems cannot, serving as a lifeline for the state’s people. HRTC buses don’t just cover distances; they carry the stories of millions of passengers who rely on them every day.
Operating from 31 depots across four divisions, HRTC manages an average of 3,871 daily bus services, generating approximately Rs 225.24 lakh in revenue each day. This extensive service highlights the corporation’s commitment to Himachal’s communities, as well as the logistical strength needed to support daily operations across the state’s steep, winding roads.
These achievements reflect HRTC’s dedication to overcoming the challenges of mountainous terrain, bringing passengers safely to their destinations while contributing to the state’s economy and culture. The corporation’s journey is not just about kilometers covered; it represents half a century of resilient service, continuous adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to connecting the people of the state.
Record Rs 3.1 cr earned on Bhaiya Dooj
- HRTC earned Rs 3.1 crore on November 3, its highest-ever single-day collection
- The corporation managed to earn the record revenue on Bhaiya Dooj, despite losing Rs 78 lakh on providing free travel to women and concessional travel to other entitled categories of passengers
