Himachal’s Bus Services Get a Smart Makeover: What’s Changing for Commuters and Staff
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today here presided over the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the Bus Stand Management and Development Authority (BSMDA), during which several significant decisions were taken to enhance operational efficiency, passenger convenience, safety measures and non-operational revenue generation.
During the meeting, four new IT-based systems developed by HRTC in collaboration with the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG) were launched. These include an online travel pass system, enabling school and college students, government employees and traders to apply online for concessional passes, pay fees digitally and receive RFID-based smart cards. A digital bus inspection scheduling system was also introduced to improve monitoring of staff performance and ensure timely checks, with schedules now being transmitted via SMS.
A GPS-based bus tracking system has been initiated for 82 buses in Shimla, which would later be extended to the entire fleet of HRTC buses and would ensure better real-time monitoring. Apart from this, a new platform called ‘Him Access HRTC system’ has been launched which allows over 9,000 employees to access their personal and salary details online.
Shri Agnihotri said that to strengthen infrastructure it was decided that seven crore rupees would be spent on repair and maintenance of various bus stands across the state, along with installation of CCTV cameras at all bus terminals for public safety. A modern bus stand facility would also be constructed at Mandi Bharari (Bilaspur) to cater to increasing commuter traffic. He said that directions were also issued to speed up the process of setting up e-charging stations at workshops and bus stands to support the arrival of electric buses in the state fleet.
The Board also approved the launch of a new scheme named ‘Him Bus Plus’, which integrates identity management with cashless payments. Under this scheme, commuters would receive a five percent discount on fares for all HRTC buses, including Volvo services. Apart from this a loyalty programme would provide cash back benefits based on monthly travel. As a further step to attract more passengers, the fare of Super Luxury Buses would be reduced by 15 percent, allowing cardholders to avail up to 20 percent discount along with loyalty rewards.
Deputy CM said that to attract more tourists and increase revenue, Tourist Day Circuits would be introduced connecting major religious and tourist spots around Shimla. The Board also approved new revenue measures such as implementing an advertisement policy on HRTC tickets, website and app and piloting the operation of retail fuel outlets at 2-3 locations using HRTC’s own fuel pumps. A Dhaba policy would also be put in place to empanel eateries along bus routes with a focus on hygiene and commuter convenience.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that on the staff welfare front, the Board approved changing the uniform colour of HRTC staff from grey to khaki, as per demands from employee unions. Due to delays in the tendering process, it was decided to provide a cash allowance in place of one uniform set and to complete the procurement process within a month. It was further decided to establish Automated Testing Stations under PPP mode to ensure thorough checking of HRTC buses and to generate additional income for the Corporation.
Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) R.D. Nazeem, Vice-Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Director Transport D.C. Negi, Special Secretary (Finance) Vijaywardhan, Special Secretary (Tourism) Vijay Kumar, Joint Secretary (PWD) Surjeet Rathore, Managing Director HRTC Dr. Nipun Jindal, non-official Board members and senior officers from HRTC and BSMDA were also present in the meeting.
