Stories
HP Deputy CM Pushes HRTC Modernization, Expands Electric Bus Fleet
- •Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri chaired meetings to discuss HRTC modernization, new bus procurement, and electric bus expansion in Himachal Pradesh.
- •No HRTC bus route will be discontinued without the Managing Director's approval; Regional Managers lack independent authority to close routes.
- •Officials were directed to expedite the procurement of 250 new diesel buses and finalize the prototype for 1,000 new electric buses with a 350+ km range.
- •The Board approved taking 366 old HRTC buses off the road and establishing a new electric bus depot in Kangra, adding to existing e-depots.
- •Buses currently under JNNURM will be integrated into HRTC, allowing operations outside Himachal Pradesh, and a City Centre will be developed in Una.
Key Questions Answered
The Himachal Pradesh government is expediting the procurement of 250 new diesel buses and planning to induct 1,000 new electric buses with a battery range exceeding 350 kilometres. Additionally, the state has decided to phase out 366 older buses, including JNNURM vehicles.
The state has approved establishing a new electric bus depot in Kangra, while e-depots at Nadaun, Haroli, Theog, and Nahan have already been approved, with Haroli already operational. These facilities are designed to expand electric bus operations and strengthen charging infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that no HRTC bus route can be discontinued without the explicit approval of the Managing Director, stripping Regional Managers of the independent authority to close routes. Furthermore, JNNURM buses are being brought under HRTC to allow operations on routes outside the state.
