Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over the review meeting of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here today, said that the State Government is making earnest efforts to make it a self-reliant and viable organization. He said that due to the efforts of the present State Government and dedicated workforce of HRTC, the income of HRTC has increased by Rs. 63.47 crore in the first eight months of this year.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State Government is releasing approximately Rs. 60 crore grant per month to HRTC and during the last two years, salaries and pensions are being paid in time to the employees and pensioners. He said that HRTC is the lifeline of the State due to limited transportation means and every day about 5 lakh commuters travel through HTRC buses.
The Chief Minister said that the present State Government is transforming HRTC into 'Green HRTC' as a target has been set to make Himachal Pradesh Green Energy State of the country by 31st March, 2026. He said that HRTC can play a key role in achieving the vision of Green Himachal and conserve the environment of the State for future generations. He said that the entire fleet of diesel buses of HRTC is being converted into e-buses and the State Government is committed to strengthen the HRTC.
He also said that the State Government has also allocated Rs. 327 crore for purchasing electric buses. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed to construct new bus stands to offer better facilities to the commuters. He said that the HRTC has also introduced cashless payment options in its buses, making Himachal Pradesh the first State to offer such facilities in the transport sector.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that due to the efforts of the present State Government, HRTC buses have become a symbol of comfort and attraction for the passengers. He said that the true strength of HRTC lies in the professionalism and dedication of its employees who perform their duties day and night.
Principal Secretaries R.D. Nazeem, Devesh Kumar, Secretaries Dr. Abhishek Jain, Rakesh Kanwar and Chief Minister's OSD Gopal Sharma, Managing Director HRTC Rohan Chand Thakur, Director Transport D.C. Negi and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.