In a significant boost to inter-state connectivity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a new direct Volvo bus service linking key towns in the state to the national capital on Tuesday. The service, operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), will run daily between Nadaun and Delhi via Hamirpur and Ghumarwin.
New Bus Schedule and Route Details
The newly launched bus will start its journey from Nadaun at 7:00 AM daily. It is scheduled to reach Hamirpur by 8:00 AM and Ghumarwin by 9:00 AM. The bus will then proceed towards Chandigarh, departing from there at 11:40 AM, and is expected to arrive at its final destination, Delhi, by 4:40 PM in the evening.
For the return trip, the bus will depart from Delhi at 8:30 AM, making its way back to Nadaun, where it is slated to arrive by 6:30 PM. This schedule provides a convenient day-long travel option for commuters, students, and tourists moving between Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.
A Leap Towards Modern and Sustainable Transport
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the state government's focused initiatives to modernize public transport, making it more commuter-friendly and environmentally sustainable. He highlighted a major digital shift, revealing that passengers can now pay their fares using UPI, debit, and credit cards on HRTC services.
In a landmark achievement, Sukhu announced that HRTC has become the first state transport undertaking in India to introduce the National Common Mobility Card. This card will enable seamless travel across various transport networks in the country, including the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation buses, Haryana Roadways, and even buses in Mumbai.
The state is also promoting concessional travel through specialized cards like the Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card, and the Green Card, making public transport more accessible.
Massive Fleet Expansion and New Routes
The launch of the new Volvo service is part of a much larger transformation plan for Himachal's transport sector. The Chief Minister outlined an ambitious fleet expansion currently underway.
The state is adding 297 new electric buses to its fleet, marking a strong push towards green mobility. Furthermore, 25 new Volvo buses are being introduced, which will bring the total number of Volvo buses in the HRTC fleet to 98. The expansion also includes 50 tempo travellers and 24 super luxury buses.
Additional procurement is in progress for 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses, and four cranes for maintenance purposes. To enhance intra-state connectivity, the government has notified 234 new bus routes and is processing 350 new permits for tempo traveller vehicles with a seating capacity of up to 18 passengers.
This comprehensive overhaul aims to significantly improve travel convenience, reduce environmental impact, and provide a reliable public transport system for the residents and visitors of Himachal Pradesh.
