Government to strengthen HRTC with more buses and better services: Mukesh Agnihotri

SHIMLA 6 August, 2025

· HRTC fleet to get 1,000 new buses

The State Government was taking concrete steps to modernize and strengthen public transport infrastructure in the state. In a major initiative, 1,000 new buses would be added to the fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in a phased manner to enhance services and improve connectivity across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that 24 new Volvo buses have already been inducted into the HRTC fleet. Additionally, the procurement process was underway for 327 electric buses (including 297 Type-1 and 30 Type-3), 250 diesel buses and 100 mini-buses. Supply orders for 297 electric buses have already been issued. Plans were afoot to procure 500 more electric buses which would further boost the green mobility initiative in the state.

Agnihotri said that keeping in view the challenging terrain of the state, priority was being given to acquiring smaller and more accessible buses with seating capacities ranging from 37 to 42 seats. These buses would enable the Corporation to extend its services more effectively to far-flung and remote areas.

Presently, HRTC operates a fleet of approximately 3,200 buses. For the first time in the history of the state, government was replacing as many as 1,000 buses, a milestone unmatched by any previous administration, said Sh. Agnihotri. The large-scale addition of high-quality buses would not only enhance the operational capacity of HRTC but also bring greater convenience and comfort to passengers.