SOLAN: Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Monday flagged off new electric buses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) from Nalagarh in Solan district. On the occasion, he also launched a new bus service linking Nalagarh to the renowned pilgrimage site, Shri Naina Devi Ji.
Addressing the gathering, Agnihotri reiterated the state government’s commitment to modernising public transport and making it environmentally friendly. He stated that 1,000 electric buses will be inducted into the HRTC fleet in the coming days to ensure safe, comfortable, and efficient travel for commuters.
To support the electric fleet, four charging stations have already been installed in Nalagarh—two at the local bus stand and two at the workshop.
Highlighting HRTC’s 52-year legacy, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the corporation operates as a welfare entity rather than a commercial enterprise. Despite running at a financial loss, HRTC continues to connect the state’s most remote and rugged terrains while offering concessional travel facilities to 27 distinct categories.
Agnihotri also assured that the state government would take up the matter of extending the age limit of commercial vehicles from 12 to 15 years with the Central Government.
Acceding to requests made by Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Bawa, the Deputy Chief Minister announced two new bus routes: Baddi to AIIMS Bilaspur via Ramshehar, and Baddi to AIIMS Bilaspur via Bagheri. He commended Bawa’s dedication to public welfare, recalling that 15 electric buses were initially allocated to the Nalagarh depot following the local lawmaker’s intervention.
Earlier, MLA Hardeep Bawa welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister and presented key regional demands, including the new AIIMS routes, the commercial vehicle permit extension, and expressed gratitude for the electric buses already allotted to the depot.
Following the flagging-off ceremony, Agnihotri inspected the under-construction Automatic Testing Station (ATS) in Nalagarh, being built at an estimated cost of ₹7 crore.
The event was attended by Nalagarh Block Congress President Babu Ram, District Congress Committee Presidents Anmol Singh and Ujagar Singh, Nalagarh Municipal Council President Alka Budhwayar, Vice President Rajesh Sharma, Baddi Superintendent of Police Vinod Dhiman, Nalagarh SDM Narendra Ahluwalia, alongside other administrative officers, party functionaries, and local residents.
