88 HRTC Bus Routes Closed in Two Years, 52 New Routes Launched: Deputy CM
Deputy CM
Shimla, March 26 — The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), the state-run bus service in Himachal Pradesh, has undergone significant changes in the last two years, with 88 bus routes being closed while 52 new routes have been introduced. This information was disclosed by the Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, during the ongoing budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
The Deputy Chief Minister, in a written reply to a joint question raised by MLAs Rakesh Jamwal and Randhir Sharma, explained that the closure of several bus routes was driven by factors such as low passenger demand and the lack of available resources. He noted that the maximum number of routes—15—had been closed in the Nerwa area of Shimla district.
Reason for Bus Route Closures
Agnihotri emphasized that the decision to shut down the bus routes was taken after careful consideration of passenger traffic and the availability of resources to maintain the routes. He pointed out that many routes had low ridership, making it economically unfeasible for the corporation to continue operating them.
However, the Deputy CM also offered hope for residents who may have been affected by the closures. He clarified that if passenger numbers increase in the future or if adequate resources are made available, there is a possibility that some of these closed routes could be reconsidered and reopened.
Interestingly, Agnihotri also mentioned that no consultations or feedback had been sought from the local communities before the closure of these bus routes, which has sparked concerns among residents who rely on these services for daily commuting.
Expansion of Services: New Routes Introduced
Despite the closures, the HRTC has expanded its network by launching 52 new bus routes across various districts in the state. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, Shimla district saw the most significant expansion with 15 new routes, followed by Kangra with 7 new routes and Kullu with 6 new routes. Una, Solan, and Chamba districts saw the addition of 5, 4, and 4 routes, respectively. The remaining districts, including Mandi, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur, saw the introduction of three routes each, while Kinnaur and Hamirpur received one new route each.
The expansion aims to provide better connectivity to underserved areas, thereby improving the overall public transport system and making travel more convenient for the state’s residents.
Focus on Modernizing the Fleet
In addition to expanding bus routes, Agnihotri also shared that the state government is committed to modernizing the HRTC fleet. The Transport Department is actively working on purchasing new buses to enhance the fleet and improve the quality of public transport services across Himachal Pradesh. This initiative is expected to ensure the smooth operation of services and make travel more comfortable and reliable for the people.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Public Transport
Agnihotri assured the Assembly that despite the challenges posed by route closures, the HRTC is striving to maintain regular bus services on all other routes. The government’s focus remains on strengthening the public transport system, particularly in rural and remote areas, to provide better connectivity to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
As the state continues to evolve its transportation network, the introduction of new bus routes and the modernization of the HRTC fleet reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that public transport remains efficient and accessible for all citizens. However, the future of the closed routes remains uncertain, and local communities will be watching closely to see whether the state will act on the possibility of reopening those routes if demand increases.
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