Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is committed to providing world-class transport facilities and transforming Himachal Pradesh into a "Green Energy State."
Addressing a public gathering at Solan's Kyari Ghat last evening, the Chief Minister flagged off 24 state-of-the-art Volvo buses.
He said that during the tenure of the present government, substantial funds have been allocated to strengthen the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Over the past two years, the government has provided an annual grant of Rs. 1,000 crore to ensure convenient and comfortable transport services for the public. He added that the government has procured 500 diesel buses, 300 electric buses, and approximately 30 Volvo buses. To further improve transport services, the government plans to purchase 100 Tempo Travellers. Currently, HRTC receives a monthly subsidy of Rs. 60 crore.
The Chief Minister noted that due to limited rail and air connectivity in the state, road transport remains the primary mode of travel, with HRTC buses serving as the main means of transportation. Efforts are continuously being made to improve the corporation's services for the convenience of commuters.
Sukhu also highlighted extensive efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as a 'Green Energy State' and actively promote hydrogen-powered and electric buses.
In line with this vision, the government plans to set up more charging stations across the state, with an investment of Rs. 110 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the HRTC has completed its glorious journey of 50 years. The corporation's buses are the lifeline for the people of the state, with four to five lakh passengers travelling daily.
Over the last two years, the government has operated approximately 250 diesel buses and plans to add 250 new buses to the fleet soon. He added that HRTC buses are providing services even to the most remote areas of the state and are connecting the longest route from Delhi to Leh.
Agnihotri said that in the past two years, the government has granted various financial benefits to the employees of the corporation, including implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and payment of arrears. New bus stands are also being constructed across the state as per requirements.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that the Chief Minister has implemented numerous schemes for the welfare and socio-economic upliftment of the people. The operation of these Volvo buses would boost state revenue and provide comfortable travel.
Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, Jogindra Cooperative Bank President Mukesh Sharma, HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, HP Youth Congress President Chattar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport and Industries) R.D. Nazim, HRTC Managing Director Nipun Jindal, Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, SP Gaurav Singh, and other dignitaries were present at the occasion.
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