Himachal CM Sukhu calls for a Green HRTC transition

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 12 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here today.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri was present on the occasion as the Special Guest.

The Chief Minister while addressing the gathering congratulated the HRTC and acknowledged its unparalleled contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh. He said that under the present State Government, the stature of the Transport Corporation has grown significantly.

He said that what began as a journey on the winding roads of the state has now evolved into a reliable and comfortable travel experience for the people of the state.

He credited the unwavering dedication of HRTC’s officers and employees for their crucial role in the successful 50-year journey of the corporation.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister made several key announcements. He said that the salaries of HRTC employees and pension of pensioners would be paid on the 28th of this month. Apart from this the state government would allocate Rs. 50 crore to cover 55 months of overtime dues for employees, which would be fully disbursed by 31st March, 2025. He said that the government also plans to settle pending medical bills amounting to Rs. 9 crore within the next two months.

Sukhu called to HRTC to transform into a “Green HRTC” and become a self-reliant corporation by 31st March, 2026. He said that apart from his all official vehicles HRTC would be replaced with electric vehicles by March 31, 2025 which would play a pivotal role in strengthening the financial condition of the corporation.

He encouraged HRTC to plan for the next 50 years and shared fond memories of the corporation’s achievements.

The Chief Minister said that the financial mismanagement of the previous state government have put the corporation into losses whereas the presents state government was making all possible efforts and making necessary reforms to deal with its financial challenges. In addition apart from upgrading the infrastructure of the corporation, the government is ensuring the welfare of its employees as well. About 7,300 HRTC employees were now benefitted from the OPS, 1,546 contract employees have been regularized and 608 new jobs have been created in the corporation, with 550 more positions in the process of being filled. Additionally, 421 employees of the corporation have received promotions.

He said that the government was committed to strengthening HRTC and during its short tenure, 210 new ordinary buses, 11 Volvo buses and 35 electric buses have been added to the HRTC fleet. The process of upgrading the corporation continues, with plans to purchase 297 Type-1 electric buses, 30 air-conditioned Type-3 electric buses, 50 mini and midi buses and 24 Volvo buses. He said that a budget of Rs. 327 crore has been allocated to HRTC for the purchase of electric buses, with further plans to acquire 2,000 Type-2 electric buses.

The Chief Minister said that HRTC plays a key role in achieving the vision of a “Green Himachal,” and the government was integrating the digital technology transport sector also. The Government has introduced cashless payment options in HRTC buses, making Himachal the first state to offer such facilities in the transport sector.

He also released HRTC’s Coffee Table Book and honored officers and employees for their exceptional services in various categories.

The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other dignitaries were presented with special badges commemorating HRTC’s Golden Jubilee during the ceremony.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, in his congratulatory message during the Golden Jubilee celebrations said that the true strength of HRTC lies in the professionalism and dedication of its employees, who perform their duties even in challenging conditions. He said that traveling in the HRTC bus has become a symbol of comfort and attraction. The effective management of the corporation has not only improved the occupancy rates but increased a public trust in its services.

He said that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has an emotional connection with HRTC as his late father Sh. Raseel Singh Thakur rendered his invaluable services to the corporation.

He said that, nearly six lakh passengers travel to their destination through HRTC which makes it the lifeline of this hilly terrain with such challenging topography. He thanked the Chief Minister for allocating Rs. 327 crore for purchasing electric buses for the corporation.

Deputy Chief Minister said that the services of HRTC should not be viewed solely from a commercial perspective, as it continues to operate even on loss-making routes which priorities the public service. The corporation bears approximately Rs. 50 lakh daily to provide concessional travel services.

Principal Secretary Transport R.D. Nazim, welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and provided an overview of the programme. Managing Director HRTC Rohan Chand Thakur gave a detailed account of achievements of the HRTC over its 50-year journey.

Chairman of Joint Coordination Committee HRTC Man Singh and General Secretary Khamender Gupta also shared their views.

An engaging short play, documentary and cultural performance highlighting HRTC’s accomplishments over the past 50 years were presented during the function.

Executive Director Dr. Murari Lal concluded the programme and presented a vote of thanks.

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, HRTC BOD Member Baldev Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Thakur, Director Transport Dr. Pankaj Lalit, Superintendent Police Sanjiv Kumar Gandhi, Senior officers and the employees of HRTC, pensioners and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.