Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off the Nadaun-Hamirpur-Ghumarwin-Delhi Volvo bus service of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) after participating in the Anti-Chitta Mega Walkathon organised at Hamirpur. The newly launched Volvo bus will depart daily from Nadaun at 7:00 in morning and will reach Hamirpur at 8:00 & Ghumarwin at 9:00 am. It will leave Chandigarh at 11:40 and will reach Delhi at 4:40 in evening. On the return journey, the bus will leave Delhi at 8:30 in morning and will reach Nadaun at 6:30 in evening.
Addressing on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has taken several significant steps to modernize the public transport system and make it more commuter-centric and environmentally friendly. To enhance passenger convenience, fare can now be paid through UPI, debit cards and credit cards, as well.
He said that HRTC has become the first State Transport undertaking in the country to introduce the ‘National Common Mobility Card’ facility. With this card, passengers can travel across the country, including in the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, in Haryana Roadways and buses in western Mumbai. Facilities such as Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card and Green Card are also being provided to offer concessional and free travel to eligible passengers.
The Chief Minister further informed that 297 new electric buses were being added to the HRTC fleet. With the induction of 25 state-of-the-art Volvo buses the total number of Volvo buses in the Corporation has increased to 98. In addition, 50 tempo travelers and 24 super luxury buses have also been purchased. The procurement process for 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses and four cranes is currently underway.
Sukhu said that 234 new bus routes were being notified in the State, while the process for allotment of 350 new permits for operating tempo traveler vehicles with seating capacity up to 18 is in progress.
Emphasizing the State Government’s commitment to promote green transport, the Chief Minister said that EV charging stations were being set up at 88 petrol pumps and 41 locations along six green corridors. Apart from this, 310 charging stations were being installed at various locations, including rest houses and government offices across the State. He added that charging stations are also being set up at 41 other locations under the public-private partnership mode.
