Himachal Pradesh is steering towards a greener and digitally empowered future as CM Sukhu rolled out the innovative ‘Challan2 Pay’ service while unveiling an ambitious roadmap to transform the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) into a clean, modern fleet.Commuters and drivers can now settle traffic fines instantly on the spot, eliminating tedious trips to government counters. Equipped with Axis Bank Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, Transport Department officers can accept secure, real-time digital payments anywhere on the road. Beyond sheer convenience, the system plugs revenue leakage, minimizes cash handling, and routes fines straight into the state treasury with complete digital oversight.
Setting high benchmarks for eco-friendly mobility, the state plans to deploy 1,500 new electric buses designed to navigate Himachal’s rugged terrain with a minimum range of 350 km per charge. Building on the 297 e-buses already on the road, this expansion aims to make HRTC self-reliant and sustainable. Going a step further, the government plans to introduce 100 green hydrogen buses alongside 100 Super Deluxe models, while fast-tracking charging hubs state-wide. Under this green initiative, Una will emerge as a fully electric-bus district, the Nalagarh Regional Manager office will go fully electric, and 30 official EV vehicles will be allotted to HRTC officers.
The Transport Department’s strategic overhauls are yielding clear results, with revenues almost doubling from ₹510 crore in 2021–22 to ₹995 crore in 2025–26. Assuring full state support to fill vacant posts in the department, CM Sukhu reinforced the vision for a self-sustaining transit sector. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri underscored HRTC’s role as the state’s lifeline—connecting the most remote mountain pockets—while highlighting that the switch to e-buses is already delivering vital environmental protection alongside operational savings of ₹18.19 per kilometer for the corporation.
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