HP roadways to add 500 new buses

The state-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will soon add 500 buses to its fleet. Some of these buses will arrive within a week.

"We are very keen to add these new buses during the upcoming tourist holiday season in October. The target is to eventually buy 1,000 buses in a phased manner," state transport minister G S Bali said here Thursday.

"Though the financial position of HRTC is not good, with help from the state government we have enough funds to buy 500 buses,"Bali said.

"A dozen aged deluxe buses are also being replaced," he added.

HRTC has a fleet of 2,000 buses plying mostly in bad rural roads. Most of the state is mountainous causing heavy wear and tear to vehicles .

"It was also decided to invite expressions of interest for the building of 12 new bus stands in BOT or PPP mode at Parwanoo, Manikaran, Baddi, Shimla, Mandi, Nalagarh, Palampur, Dhalli, Nahan, Manali, Nurpur and Kullu," he said.

The minister said Rs 10 crore was also sanctioned Thursday for the maintainence and upkeep of bus stands at Rohroo, Nagrota, Jaisinghpur, Bursar, Chamba, Lalubag, Koksar, Bharmaur and Bhawanagar.

Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), buses will be added to run in 13 clusters spread over the entire hill state, the transport minister said.

HRTC will now offer rebate for those who buy advanced tickets. This incentive will also be offered to tour operators under group reservation scheme.

"Today we have started a new HRTC helpline number , 0177-2657326," Bali informed.