HRTC earns Rs 32L during Diwali with special buses

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) ran special buses this Diwali to provide convenient travel to passengers returning to their hometowns. This initiative earned the corporation a substantial Rs 31.94 lakh from these dedicated buses in the Dharamsala division alone, a significant boost to the HRTC’s finances during the festive season.

Pankaj Chaddha, the Divisional Manager, highlighted the HRTC’s dedication to serving the people, particularly during peak travel periods. “The HRTC is committed to its people in every hour of need,” Chaddha said in an interview with The Tribune, emphasising the skilled and experienced drivers who ensure the best service possible. He also urged residents to support the state carrier by choosing the HRTC for their travel needs.

The high demand during Diwali meant that these special buses operated at full capacity, yielding greater income than usual. This additional revenue is expected to positively impact HRTC’s financial health, as the festive season often brings in a notable increase in earnings. This year, earnings reportedly surpassed those of previous years.

Arwind Chaudhary, a resident of Kangra, expressed his appreciation for the extra convenience the HRTC provided by arranging special buses. He noted that the service was a compassionate gesture toward those working in neighboring states and unable to make frequent trips home. Special buses are expected to continue operations even after Diwali to assist people returning to their workplaces.

In total, the HRTC deployed more than 70 special buses for the festive season, including 28 normal buses, one Volvo, and 28 special services from Delhi. The Nagrota Bagwan depot emerged as the top earner, generating Rs 6.64 lakh from its 23-bus fleet, followed by Palampur and Chamba depots, which earned approximately Rs 6 lakh each. Other depots also contributed to the impressive earnings, showcasing the overall success of this initiative.