In a significant move aimed at boosting operational efficiency and employee welfare, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) board of directors has announced a series of crucial decisions. The board, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, convened for its 162nd meeting in Shimla on Friday, unveiling plans for new hirings, wage revisions, and technological upgrades for the state's bus service.
New Jobs, Better Wages, and Employee Benefits
The board gave its nod to fill 171 vacancies under the junior office assistant (information technology) category. In a relief for contractual workers, it was also decided to regularize the remaining 78 piecemeal workers by bringing them onto contract. Demonstrating a focus on employee welfare, the board approved an increase in the daily wages of workers from Rs 400 to Rs 425.
Further addressing long-pending demands, Deputy CM Agnihotri had announced on the first day of the meeting (Thursday) that 3% dearness allowance arrears for HRTC employees would be disbursed by March 31, 2026, in four instalments. Officials were directed to make provisions for reimbursing pending medical bills from the last six months. To foster a culture of excellence, the board also decided to implement a reward policy to recognize outstanding employee performance.
Tech Upgrades and Fleet Modernization for Passengers
Passenger safety and service quality received major emphasis in the board's decisions. In a key technological upgrade, vehicle tracking systems will be installed in all HRTC buses for real-time location monitoring. To augment and modernize the fleet, the corporation aims to complete the retendering process for 250 diesel buses and 100 mini buses within 15 days.
Adding to passenger convenience, Deputy CM Agnihotri launched the HIM Bus portal, enabling citizens to apply for HIM cards online, which will subsequently be delivered by post. For vehicle fitness and regulation, the board decided to establish automatic testing stations in Haroli and Nadaun under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Infrastructure Development Across the State
The board has greenlit several infrastructure projects to improve facilities. These include the construction of a shopping and parking complex at Theog market and a car parking facility with a multipurpose hall at the Mandi bus stand. Agnihotri issued directives to expedite the construction of bus stands at Thunag, Darlaghat, Hamirpur, Baijnath, Bhoranj, and Fatehpur.
He also instructed officials to complete the tender process in a time-bound manner for new bus stands at Bilaspur, Mandi-Bharari, Baddi, and Jaisinghpur, as well as for a car parking and commercial complex at the old bus stand in Chamba. These comprehensive decisions underscore the state government's focus on revitalizing public transport infrastructure and enhancing the working conditions of HRTC staff.
