Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was committed to provide world-class transport facilities to the people and transforming Himachal Pradesh into a ‘Green Energy State’. The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering yesterday evening at Solan’s Kyari Ghat after flagging off 24 state-of-the-art volvo buses.
He said that during the tenure of the present government, a substantial amount of funds has 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 said that the government has procured 500 diesel buses, 300 electric buses and approximately 30 Volvo buses. To further improve transport services in the future, the government plans to purchase 100 Tempo Travelers. Currently, HRTC receives a monthly subsidy of Rs. 60 crore.
The Chief Minister said that due to limited rail and air connectivity in the state, road transport remains the primary mode of travel for most people, with HRTC buses serving as the main means of transportation. Efforts were being made continuously to improve the services of the corporation for the convenience of the commuters.
Sh. Sukhu said that extensive work was underway to develop Himachal Pradesh as a ‘Green Energy State’ and was actively promoting hydrogen-powered and e-buses. In line with the vision of a green Himachal, more charging stations would be set up across the state with an expenditure of Rs. 110 crore to make realize the dream of Green Energy State.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that 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 said, besides, HRTC buses were providing services even to the most remote areas of the state and connecting the longest Delhi-Leh route.
Shri. Agnihotri said that over the past two years the government has granted various financial benefits to the employees of the corporation, including OPS (Old Pension Scheme) and arrears of allowances. New bus stands were 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 increase the revenue of the state and also offers comfortable travel.
Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, President Jogindera Cooperative Bank Mukesh Sharma, Vice Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, President HP Youth Congress Chattar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Transport and Industries R.D. Nazim, Managing Director HRTC Nipun Jindal, Vice Chancellor Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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