HRTC board proposes whopping 20% hike in fares for Himachal roadways buses, ball now in govt’s court

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has proposed a 20% hike in bus fares to improve its financial situation.

The HRTC board of directors approved the proposal in a meeting on Saturday, deciding to increase the minimum fare from Rs 5 to Rs 10 and sending the recommendation to the state government for final approval. The cabinet will take the final call on the fare revision.

Suggestion on reviewing concessions in buses

Alongside the fare hike, the board also suggested reducing concessions provided to various passenger categories.

Additionally, a significant fleet expansion plan was discussed, with the decision to procure 700 new buses at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore.

If the government approves the proposal, the fare in hilly regions will increase from Rs 2.19 per km to Rs 2.62 per km.

Transport Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, speaking after the meeting, confirmed that all formalities for purchasing 297 Type-1 electric buses had been completed, with the board accepting the procurement committee’s recommendations.

The proposal will now be sent to the cabinet for approval.

New bus terminals to come up in Bilaspur, Baddi

Operations of these new electric buses are expected to commence within four months.
The board also approved tenders for 250 diesel buses, 24 super luxury buses, and 23 additional Type-1 electric buses.

A special grant has been allocated for this procurement and 100 tempo-travellers will be purchased under revised tendering rules. Plans were also approved for new bus terminals in Bilaspur and Baddi.

Further, the board sanctioned the purchase of two quick-response vehicles and four cranes to enhance emergency services. Agnihotri emphasised that the addition of 700 buses will improve connectivity to remote villages, benefiting both locals and tourists.

He also pointed out that the Centre has directed the removal of diesel buses older than 15 years, which will reduce the existing fleet, making new procurements essential.

What the fare hike means for passengers

If the proposed hike is implemented, ticket prices on major routes will see a sharp increase. The fare from Shimla to Solan will rise from Rs 105 to Rs 113, while a trip from Shimla to Dharamshala will cost Rs 707 instead of the current Rs 605.

Similarly, the Shimla-Kullu fare will increase from Rs 490 to Rs 550, and the Shimla-Chamba fare will jump from Rs 848 to Rs 996. HRTC also collects insurance and toll tax along with the base fare.

TNR