Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri presided over the joint Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the Bus Stand Management and Development Authority (BSMDA) today, announcing a wide range of reforms aimed at modernizing public transport, enhancing passenger convenience, and increasing non-operational revenue.
A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of four new digital systems developed in collaboration with the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG). These include an online concessional travel pass system, a digital bus inspection scheduling tool, a GPS-based real-time bus tracking system (initially rolled out for 82 buses in Shimla), and ‘Him Access HRTC’—an employee self-service platform for accessing personal and salary details.
In a move to make bus travel more rewarding and cashless, the Deputy CM also launched the ‘Him Bus Plus’ card scheme, offering passengers a 5% discount on all HRTC buses including Volvo services, along with loyalty-based cashback. With fare reductions of up to 15% on Super Luxury services, cardholders could benefit from total discounts of up to 20%.
To improve passenger safety and infrastructure, the Board approved a ₹7 crore allocation for the repair and maintenance of bus stands and installation of CCTV systems. Plans for a modern bus terminal at Mandi Bharari (Bilaspur) and faster rollout of e-charging stations to accommodate the expanding electric bus fleet were also announced.
Additional initiatives included the introduction of Tourist Day Circuits to connect major religious and tourist sites around Shimla, and a new advertising policy covering tickets, the HRTC website, and mobile app. The Corporation will also pilot retail fuel outlets at select depots and roll out a Dhaba empanelment policy to provide hygienic, commuter-friendly food options along bus routes.
On the staff welfare front, the Board approved a change in HRTC staff uniforms from grey to khaki based on employee union requests. A temporary cash allowance will be provided due to delays in uniform procurement. Plans to establish Automated Testing Stations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model were also approved to ensure bus safety and generate additional revenue.
Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) R.D. Nazeem, HRTC Vice-Chairman Ajay Verma, Transport Director D.C. Negi, and Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal attended the meeting alongside representatives from finance, tourism, PWD, and non-official board members.
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