Himachal Pradesh has taken another significant step towards transforming its public transport system with the induction of 297 new electric buses into the fleet of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the launch of the HimBus Plus Card, a digital initiative designed to simplify and modernise travel for passengers. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the twin initiatives reflect the state government’s long-term vision of building a cleaner, technology-driven and financially sustainable public transport network while enhancing passenger convenience across the hill state.
The new fleet of electric buses was flagged off at Kyarighat in Solan district in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, senior ministers, HRTC officials and representatives of the transport sector. The launch marks one of the largest additions of electric buses to HRTC’s fleet and reinforces the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while improving the quality of public transport services.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the state government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to modernise HRTC through cleaner technology, digital innovation and improved financial management. He said the addition of the new buses has increased the total number of electric buses in HRTC’s fleet to more than 500, making Himachal Pradesh one of the leading states in adopting electric mobility for public transportation.
Agnihotri said the government’s roadmap extends well beyond the current expansion, with plans already in place to procure another 1,000 electric buses in the coming years. He noted that the transition towards electric mobility would continue in phases, with future diesel bus procurement being restricted primarily to larger 47-seater vehicles required for specific operational needs, while the state’s emphasis remains firmly on expanding the electric fleet.
Highlighting passenger-focused reforms, the Deputy Chief Minister described the newly launched HimBus Plus Card as a major digital innovation that will make travel more convenient and affordable. The smart card consolidates the benefits of various existing HRTC travel cards into a single platform and will be available through an annual subscription of Rs. 365. The card is expected to offer a seamless travel experience not only on HRTC buses but also across Delhi Metro services and public transport networks in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, significantly enhancing regional connectivity for regular commuters.
Officials said the integrated travel card is designed to support the state’s broader push towards cashless and technology-enabled public services while encouraging greater use of public transport.
Speaking about the new electric buses, Agnihotri said the vehicles have been specially designed to operate efficiently on Himachal Pradesh’s challenging mountainous terrain. Their advanced engineering, safety features and improved passenger comfort are expected to significantly improve the travel experience while reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.
He added that Olectra Greentech Limited, the manufacturer of the buses, will be responsible for maintaining the fleet for the next 12 years, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and reducing maintenance burdens on HRTC.
Alongside infrastructure expansion, the Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s continued focus on employee welfare, describing HRTC’s workforce as the backbone of the organisation. He said the government has streamlined financial management to ensure that salaries are paid by the first day of every month, while pension payments are targeted for release by the tenth of each month.
Agnihotri said that 9,099 HRTC employees have benefited from the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which he described as a major step towards securing the long-term financial future of government employees.
He further outlined a series of administrative reforms undertaken during the past three years. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, HRTC has recruited 686 new employees while regularising the services of 2,198 contractual workers. The government has also released nearly Rs. 70 crore towards pending employee benefits, including medical reimbursements, overtime allowances, night duty allowances, dearness allowance and other financial dues.
Medical reimbursement claims pending up to June 2026 have already been cleared, while pending overtime and night duty allowances covering the past twelve months are expected to be released within the next few days.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve post-retirement financial security. During the past three years, nearly Rs. 172 crore has been released towards Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) and leave encashment for retired employees. Additionally, 1,155 new Pension Payment Orders have been issued, while pension arrears worth approximately Rs. 23 crore have been cleared for pensioners above 75 years of age. Enhanced pension benefits have also been extended to pensioners in the 65, 70 and 75-year age categories.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil described the induction of the new buses as a significant achievement made possible through the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. He announced that Solan district alone has received 40 of the newly inducted electric buses and said the government remains committed to strengthening transport, healthcare and education infrastructure simultaneously.
Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma said the expansion of the electric fleet represents an important milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards environmentally sustainable public transport. He noted that besides reducing operational costs for HRTC, the electric buses will provide passengers with safer, quieter and more comfortable travel while contributing to lower emissions across the state.
HRTC Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal, senior government officials, transport department representatives, Olectra Greentech Managing Director Mahesh Babu and several public representatives were also present during the launch ceremony.
The induction of the new electric buses, coupled with the introduction of the HimBus Plus Card, reflects the Himachal Pradesh Government’s broader strategy of combining green mobility, digital governance and institutional reforms to strengthen HRTC while delivering a more efficient, affordable and environmentally responsible public transport system for commuters across the state.
