CM flags off 24 state-of-the-art volvo buses

Shimla July 03

· Urges for collective efforts for green energy and public transport reforms in Himachal

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was committed to provide world-class transport facilities to the people and transforming Himachal Pradesh into a ‘Green Energy State’. The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering yesterday evening at Solan’s Kyari Ghat after flagging off 24 state-of-the-art volvo buses.

He said that during the tenure of the present government, a substantial amount of funds has been allocated to strengthen the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Over the past two years, the government has provided an annual grant of Rs. 1,000 crore to ensure convenient and comfortable transport services for the public. He said that the government has procured 500 diesel buses, 300 electric buses and approximately 30 Volvo buses. To further improve transport services in the future, the government plans to purchase 100 Tempo Travelers. Currently, HRTC receives a monthly subsidy of Rs. 60 crore.

The Chief Minister said that due to limited rail and air connectivity in the state, road transport remains the primary mode of travel for most people, with HRTC buses serving as the main means of transportation. Efforts were being made continuously to improve the services of the corporation for the convenience of the commuters.

Sh. Sukhu said that extensive work was underway to develop Himachal Pradesh as a ‘Green Energy State’ and was actively promoting hydrogen-powered and e-buses. In line with the vision of a green Himachal, more charging stations would be set up across the state with an expenditure of Rs. 110 crore to make realize the dream of Green Energy State.