HRTC to get 300 new buses: Dy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today said that the state government would soon add 300 new buses to the existing fleet of 3,000 of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) so as to offer quality services to commuters. “Efforts are being made to replace the entire fleet of 24 Volvo buses of the HRTC,” he added.

He said that the HRTC was committed to serving the people of the state, which has limited rail and air connectivity, despite suffering losses. A subsidy of Rs 50 lakh was being provided to commuters every day, he added.

Agnihotri inaugurated a museum and the wall of honour built at the main office of the HRTC at the old bus stand here on the occasion of the completion of its 50 years. “Through the wall of honour, we will be able to know the journey of the HRTC. The decisions taken and awards secured since 1974 have been inscribed on it. Besides, the models of HRTC buses are also being displayed at different places,” he added. HRTC Managing Director Rohan Chand Thakur along with senior officials of the corporation and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Agnihotri said that the HRTC was giving a subsidy of about Rs 50 lakh by way of concessional travel every day, benefiting people belonging to 27 categories. “Efforts are being made to ensure timely payment of salaries and pension to the employees and pensioners of the HRTC for the past eight months. The employees are working day and night to strengthen the corporation, leading to an increase in its income,” he added.

He said, “Despite suffering losses, the HRTC is working with the spirit of public service to provide safe and comfortable travel.” He added that the HRTC’s fleet of about 3,000 buses was plying on 94 per cent of the total routes in the state. “Due to limited air and railway services in Himachal, the role of the HRTC becomes even more important. There is need to look at the HRTC from the point of view of social welfare service and not from a business perspective, as it is serving a large number of people with dedication and sincerity,” he added.

Agnihotri said that on the occasion of its golden jubilee, the HRTC would organise a grand function here on October 12. He assured the gathering that proper arrangements would be made for providing proper accommodation to the drivers and the conductors of the HRTC in New Delhi and an agreement had been signed in this regard.