CM Sukhu today flagged off the Nadaun–Hamirpur–Ghumarwin–Delhi Volvo bus service of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) after participating in the Anti-Chitta Mega Walkathon at Hamirpur. The launch of the new service is aimed at providing faster, safer and more comfortable travel options to commuters of the region.
As per the schedule, the Volvo bus will depart daily from Nadaun at 7:00 am, reach Hamirpur at 8:00 am and Ghumarwin at 9:00 am. It will leave Chandigarh at 11:40 am and reach Delhi at 4:40 pm. On the return journey, the bus will depart from Delhi at 8:30 am and reach Nadaun at 6:30 pm.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has taken several progressive steps to modernize public transport and make it more commuter-friendly and environmentally sustainable. He informed that passengers can now pay fares through UPI, debit cards and credit cards, ensuring greater convenience.
The Chief Minister announced that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce the ‘National Common Mobility Card’ facility through HRTC. This card enables seamless travel across the country, including services such as the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Haryana Roadways and buses in western Mumbai. In addition, facilities like the Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card and Green Card are being provided to eligible passengers for concessional and free travel.
Highlighting infrastructure expansion, Sukhu said that 297 new electric buses are being added to the HRTC fleet. With the induction of 25 new Volvo buses, the total number of Volvo buses has increased to 98. Besides this, 50 tempo travellers and 24 super luxury buses have been procured, while the process to purchase 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses and four cranes is underway.
The Chief Minister further informed that 234 new bus routes are being notified across the state and the process for allotment of 350 new permits for tempo traveller vehicles with seating capacity up to 18 is in progress.
Reiterating the government’s focus on green mobility, he said that EV charging stations are being established at 88 petrol pumps and 41 locations along six identified green corridors. Additionally, 310 charging stations are being set up at various locations, including rest houses and government offices, with 41 more being developed under the public-private partnership mode.
The Chief Minister said that these initiatives reflect the State Government’s commitment to strengthening public transport, improving passenger convenience and promoting eco-friendly mobility across Himachal Pradesh.
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