Himachal Pradesh budget session: HRTC to discontinue bus services on low demand routes, says Agnihotri

Highlighting the operational challenges, the deputy CM said that running buses on routes with negligible passenger volume is not economically viable

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will rationalise its operations by discontinuing bus services on routes with extremely low passenger demand, said deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri in the assembly.

Himachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri during the assembly session in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

The reply was in response to the question from BJP MLA DS Thakur of Dalhousie during the Question Hour on Wednesday.

Highlighting the operational challenges, the deputy CM said that running buses on routes with negligible passenger volume is not economically viable. “In Chamba district alone, 203 buses are currently in operation,” he said.

Agnihotri said several routes in Mandi district were temporarily suspended due to road damage caused by natural calamities, adding that services would be restored once the affected roads are repaired.

Meanwhile, leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur urged the government to prioritise public convenience over financial considerations and ensure that transport services are not curtailed in areas represented by opposition MLAs.