Free Travel in HRTC Buses Now Linked to ‘HIM Bus Card’

Women & Students Must Pay ₹200 for Card

Shimla, August 1: In a major policy shift, the Himachal Pradesh government under CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has decided that free travel in HRTC buses for women and students will now require a ‘HIM Bus Card’. Beneficiaries must pay ₹200 to obtain this card to avail the free service, ending the earlier provision of travel without an ID.

The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Shimla. Earlier, women could travel for free in HRTC buses without any official identification. Now, all free travel beneficiaries must register and carry the card.

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Backward Classes Commission to collect accurate population data of OBCs ahead of the upcoming urban local body elections. This will facilitate the implementation of OBC reservation by finalizing the reservation roster accordingly.