Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today dedicated 10 electric and 10 diesel buses to Chamba district, marking a significant boost to local transport infrastructure. After performing rituals, he flagged off the first electric bus from Chamba to Mata Shri Chintpurni Ji temple via Banikhet, Dunera, Sadwan, Nurpur, Dhameta, and Talwara.
Agnihotri said the electric buses have been specially designed for Himachal’s tough terrain, with drivers receiving training for their operation. Currently, 297 electric buses are running in the state, with maintenance guaranteed by the manufacturer for 12 years. He added that Chamba was witnessing electric bus operations for the first time, calling it a historic step.
The Deputy CM announced that recruitment of drivers and conductors in HRTC would be carried out soon to strengthen services. He noted that 500 old buses were being phased out, employees had been regularised, and the Old Pension Scheme implemented.
Inspections of Key Projects
After the flag-off, Agnihotri visited Shri Chandrashila Temple to offer prayers, then inspected ongoing development works. He reviewed the ₹27.41‑crore auditorium being built by the Language & Culture Department, directing its completion within two months. He also inspected the ₹8‑crore multi-storey car parking facility in Chamba and instructed officials to finish construction on schedule.
At Mangla, he inspected a ₹2‑crore rest house being built by the Jal Shakti Department, saying it would serve both departmental needs and benefit tourists, thereby boosting local tourism.
Presence of Dignitaries
The event was attended by former Education Minister Asha Kumari, Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar, HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, HRTC Board members, District Congress leaders, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, SP Vijay Saklani, and senior officials from Jal Shakti and other departments.
Agnihotri emphasized that the introduction of electric buses would promote eco-friendly transport, while ongoing infrastructure projects would strengthen Chamba’s facilities and tourism potential.
