Himachal’s Public Transport Gets a Green Upgrade: 297 New Electric Buses to Hit the Roads Soon
In a major push towards modern and eco-friendly public transport, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is all set to welcome 297 brand-new electric buses to its fleet. This ambitious move aims to replace the ageing, often unreliable buses currently operating across the state, and bring a fresh wave of efficiency and comfort to commuters.
These 32-seater e-buses, designed with the hilly terrain and local needs in mind, will be rolled out across 18 HRTC depots. Built with advanced battery technology, each bus will offer a range of 190 to 200 kilometers on a single charge—significantly reducing the risk of breakdowns that have plagued the older fleet.
HRTC officials recently inspected the prototype models in Bangalore, where the buses are being manufactured. They returned impressed with the upgrades: better mileage, taller design for added passenger comfort, and enhanced battery capacity. At over Rs 1 crore per vehicle, these buses represent a serious investment in both sustainability and quality.
Delivery will begin within nine months, and the entire fleet is expected to be operational within eleven months. Once on the roads, these e-buses are poised to transform the public transportation experience in Himachal, offering smoother, quieter, and cleaner travel.
With this green initiative, HRTC is not just addressing the current challenges of breakdowns and delays—it’s also taking a big step towards a more sustainable and commuter-friendly future.