HRTC to recruit 350 drivers in Himachal post Diwali

In a bid to address the pressing shortage of bus drivers, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is gearing up to hire 350 new drivers, a move that will significantly improve transportation services across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the recruitment process will commence after Diwali, with the aim of enhancing services for both residents and tourists.

For the first time, driving skill tests for applicants will be conducted at the Institute of Driving Training Research in Sarkaghat, Mandi, replacing the traditional venue at the Taradevi Depot in Shimla. The HRTC will issue an official advertisement post-Diwali, and the selection process is expected to be comprehensive. The primary driving tests will be held across HRTC’s four divisions—Hamirpur, Shimla, Mandi, and Dharamshala. Specifically, Hamirpur candidates will undergo testing in Bilaspur, Shimla candidates in Taradevi, Dharamshala applicants in Jasoor, and Mandi division candidates in Mandi.

This recruitment is seen as a critical step in resolving the disruption of bus services that has affected various routes due to the driver shortage. Deputy CM Agnihotri underscored the responsibility associated with the role of a bus driver, assuring that the selection process will be merit-based and free from external influences. “No recommendations will be entertained,” he stated, emphasizing the priority on skill and safety.

HRTC plays an indispensable role in Himachal Pradesh, especially in the rural and mountainous areas where transportation options are limited. The corporation’s buses provide a vital link to education, healthcare, and markets for many remote villages. Its extensive network also supports tourism by offering connectivity to hard-to-reach destinations. With this recruitment drive, HRTC is poised to strengthen its services and further contribute to the economic and social development of rural Himachal Pradesh.