Public transport in India has always been a fragmented sector and mostly takes into account just the bus metro operations that are managed by public authorities directly or via private operators. While these organizations largely remain cash strapped, the larger purpose of their existence of being able to provide reliable, safe, efficient means of travel for the public also remains underutilized.
The State Government is taking steps to reform the state’s transport sector with innovative ideas. Positive efforts are being made to radically change the transport sector since environmental protection and promoting electric vehicles in the state, a popular tourism destination, are the priorities of the government.
The State Government has decided to replace the diesel buses of HRTC with electric buses in a phased manner, transitioning. This will not only provide pollution-free transportation facilities to the commuters but also lessen the financial burden for State Transport. Presently the HRTC already has 95 electric buses and this number would be further increased in the near future.
The State Government has also decided to purchase 75 Type-1 e-buses, for which tenders have already been invited and the letter of award (LOA) will be issued by next month. The State Government is also planning to develop the necessary infrastructure, including charging stations in the State as the State aims to become a model for e-vehicles and encourage the use of e-vehicles as part of the Government’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions.
These initiatives and reforms of the State Government will surely lead to making HRTC self-reliant and provide improved financial resources, ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions to its employees and pensioners.
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