HRTC Celebrates 50 Years of Service with New Innovations and Milestones

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) marked its 50th anniversary with various events, including the inauguration of a museum and a wall of honour. Despite offering significant subsidies, HRTC achieved a revenue increase of Rs 55 crore, with its network spanning 3,700 routes and pioneering cashless payment options.

Several events marked the 50-year milestone of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), including the illumination of bus stands, the inauguration of a museum, and the installation of a wall of honour at the HRTC main office. Posters were also installed on buses to commemorate the occasion.

Despite providing a daily subsidy of Rs 50 lakh for concessional travel benefiting people from 27 categories, HRTC officials announced an additional revenue of Rs 55 crore for the current financial year from April to September.

Given the limited rail and air services in Himachal Pradesh, the HRTC offers extensive road travel facilities on approximately 3,700 routes and recently celebrated its 50th year in public service. The museum inauguration was led by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who holds the Transport portfolio. In a pioneering move, HRTC launched its Mobility Card to facilitate nationwide cashless travel in public transport, becoming the first in the country to offer UPI, debit, and credit card payment options.

''This is a proud moment for HRTC, which is more relevant today than ever,'' said Managing Director Rohan Chand Thakur. The silver jubilee celebration is scheduled for October 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)