Himachal Road Transport Corporation to Introduce Pilgrimage Bus Services and Cashless Transactions
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Shimla, January 18, 2024
The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has decided to initiate a large-scale pilgrimage bus service for religious places at both national and state levels. In the Board of Directors (BoD) meeting of the HRTC held in Shimla, approval was granted for the commencement of pilgrimage bus services on Route 175 for various national and state religious destinations. Additionally, discussions are underway with the Uttar Pradesh government to operate buses on Route 6 for those intending to visit the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, providing details on the decisions of the HRTC BoD, mentioned that the corporation has decided to purchase 1900 electric buses over the next four years. HRTC buses will also introduce cashless services this year. To facilitate this, the HRTC will issue an NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) for cashless transactions, valid for passengers traveling on HRTC buses in other states as well.
Agnihotri informed that there has been a revenue increase of over seven crores in the income of HRTC. The routes of HRTC buses, operated for other states, are running at a deficit. HRTC has reduced the dead mileage by covering approximately 1,33,000 kilometers this year.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of HRTC, the corporation is organizing various programs, including the HRTC Coffee Table Book, museum, and photo & video competitions.
HRTC carries around five lakh passengers daily, and the corporation aims to provide online facilities for making students’ passes to avoid queues at ticket counters. The operation of bus services in convent schools in Shimla by HRTC is causing a loss of 14 crores.
