Himachal Pradesh’s public transportation network received a significant boost with the addition of five new electric buses to the Pathankot depot of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). These eco-friendly vehicles are set to operate on key routes connecting various towns within the state, aiming to enhance passenger services and reduce operational costs.
Deputy Chief Minister Flags Off New Electric Fleet
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Wednesday formally flagged off the five electric buses from the HRTC workshop at Jassur in Nurpur. The event marked a step towards modernizing the state’s transport infrastructure. Alongside the bus inauguration, Agnihotri announced an allocation of Rs 1 crore for the development and enhancement of the Jassur workshop facilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the newly acquired electric buses have been assigned to the Pathankot depot. They are scheduled to commence operations on the Baijnath, Dada Siba, Gagret, Haripur-Dharamsala, and Kundihar routes. This expansion of the electric fleet is part of a broader strategy to transition towards sustainable public transport solutions across Himachal Pradesh.
HRTC Workforce Expansion and Fleet Modernization Plans
During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri elaborated on HRTC’s plans for workforce expansion and fleet modernization. He stated that the corporation is preparing to recruit approximately 300 drivers and an equal number of conductors to strengthen its operational capacity and ensure efficient service delivery. The HRTC is actively pursuing the acquisition of a substantial number of new buses, with plans to induct 1,000 electric buses into its fleet.
Furthermore, the corporation is exploring diversification in its fleet composition, with plans for the procurement of 200 hydrogen-powered buses and an additional 250 diesel buses. This multi-pronged approach aims to cater to diverse operational needs and environmental considerations. Agnihotri also assured that the Nurpur area would receive more buses in the coming days to meet the growing demand for public transportation in the region.
Significant Infrastructure Developments in Nurpur
Beyond the transportation sector, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted major infrastructure development projects underway in the Nurpur constituency. He announced that Rs 350 crore has been sanctioned for the completion of the Finna Singh irrigation project. This ambitious project, which has faced delays for over a decade, has already seen an expenditure of approximately Rs 300 crore against an estimated total cost of Rs 650 crore. Agnihotri expressed optimism that the construction of the project’s dam would be expedited and completed in record time, providing substantial benefits to the agricultural sector and farmers in the Nurpur region.
The Finna Singh irrigation project holds significant importance for the area, and its completion is seen as a tribute to the legacy of former minister and senior Congress leader late Sat Mahajan, who had championed the project. Agnihotri recalled his association with Mahajan and acknowledged his significant contributions to the development of the region.
As the Jal Shakti Minister, Agnihotri also provided updates on other development initiatives. Projects totaling Rs 42.5 crore for sewerage system improvements and Rs 35 crore for drinking water supply schemes are currently being implemented in the Nurpur Assembly constituency through the Jal Shakti Department, addressing essential civic amenities.
Operational Details and Benefits of Electric Buses
Pankaj Chaddha, the Divisional Manager of HRTC, shared specific operational details regarding the new electric buses. He informed the gathering that the daily schedules for these five buses have been meticulously designed to ensure that each vehicle covers a minimum of 250 kilometers per day. To support the operational requirements of the electric fleet, charging stations have been established at both the Jassur and Pathankot facilities. The first electric bus was formally dispatched towards the Baijnath route, marking the commencement of its service.
Bhawani Singh Pathania, Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board, emphasized the economic and service-oriented advantages of introducing electric buses. He stated that the induction of these vehicles is expected to significantly reduce the corporation’s daily operating costs, contributing to financial sustainability. Furthermore, Pathania noted that the transition to electric mobility would lead to an overall improvement in the quality of passenger services, offering a more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience for commuters.
The addition of these five electric buses represents a tangible step towards a greener and more efficient public transportation system in Himachal Pradesh. The concurrent development in irrigation and water supply projects further signifies the state government’s focus on holistic development across key sectors.
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