The authorities on Thursday announced that Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will soon operate 297 electric buses on several routes. They stated that the decision to operate more buses was taken in a meeting of the Board of Directors (BOD) held on Thursday.
The officials were given instructions to issue work orders by approving the purchase of buses. The officials stated that the addition of new buses will provide great significance to the commuters on various routes. Apart from this, the concerned company will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of these buses for the next 12 years.
They stated that the corporation had already stated that the concerned company would have to take the responsibility of the maintenance, at least for the next few years. The officials stated that though the transport department has to spend more due to the condition, it will benefit the corporation in the long term.
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While providing details, the officials stated that the bus that earlier cost 1.25 crores will now cost 1.71 crores, but the corporation will save money as they will no longer be spending on the repair works. The officials further stated that the state government will take NABARD’s assistance for the purchase of the new technically advanced buses.
Apart from the regular electric buses, the board of directors has also approved issuing a work order for 24 super luxury buses, reportedly to increase the connectivity to the tourist sites. While providing details, the authorities stated that the corporation will buy these buses at a cost of Rs 1.52 crore, adding that all these buses will be of BS-6 category.
They further informed that this matter will be sent to the state cabinet meeting to be held on Saturday. The corporation officials also stated that the addition of these buses is expected to give a major boost to the transportation of the state.
