Shimla: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has stated that all formalities regarding the operation of electric buses were being completed and they would be made operational very soon. Additionally, four new e-depots being constructed in the state would also be made operational at the earliest.
Agnihotri was presiding over the 163rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here, today. Various issues related to the corporation’s operations, passenger amenities and strengthening the public transport system were discussed during the meeting.
A review was also conducted regarding the trials and operational preparations for the 297 electric buses being inducted into the state’s fleet in a phased manner. Expressing displeasure over the shortage of tires for the corporation’s buses, Mukesh Agnihotri directed officials to ensure that bus operations were not hampered in the future due to a lack of tires, spare parts or other essential materials. He emphasized the need to ensure the timely availability of essential items and to make advance alternative arrangements so that bus operations remain uninterrupted under any circumstances and passengers do not face inconvenience.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state government was continuously working to make the public transport system modern, safe and eco-friendly. The operation of electric buses and the launch of new e-depots would promote green transport in the state and provide passengers with better and more convenient transport services.
HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, Board Members Dharmender Dhami, Pradeep Surya, Mohinder Sandhu and Nishant Thakur, Additional Secretary (Transport) Onkar Chand Sharma, Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal and other senior officials of the corporation were present in the meeting.
