Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh News : HRTC to phase out 500 old buses in two months, replace fleet with electric and diesel vehicles
HRTC will withdraw 500 old, low-mileage buses over the next two months and replace them with new electric buses, diesel buses and tempo travellers to improve passenger services.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will take 500 old and low-mileage buses off the road over the next two months to improve passenger safety and service reliability, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference here, Agnihotri said the decision was taken during a recent meeting of the HRTC Board of Directors. “These buses have been breaking down frequently, causing inconvenience to passengers,” he said.
The withdrawn buses will be replaced with new vehicles, including electric buses, diesel buses and tempo travellers. Agnihotri said orders for 297 electric buses have already been placed, while tenders for 250 diesel buses will be reissued. He added that final tenders have also been approved for the purchase of 100 24-seater buses and 100 tempo travellers.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the policy for decommissioning unfit buses has been revised to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles operate on HRTC routes. Under the new norms, buses delivering an average of less than 2.50 kilometres per litre will be withdrawn from service. Earlier, buses were decommissioned only after completing nine lakh kilometres or 15 years of service. Now, buses that have completed nine years or more will also be phased out if repair costs become uneconomical.
The Board also approved the purchase of batteries for electric buses that have been grounded for the past few months due to battery failure. Agnihotri said around Rs 22–23 lakh would be spent on each battery to restore these buses to service.
To enhance revenue, the Board decided to allow telecom operators to install rooftop towers at suitable bus stand locations. Vacant spaces at bus stands will also be offered to banks for setting up ATMs and kiosks. In addition, unused commercial halls will be leased to reputed brands for restaurants and other commercial activities.
