HRTC to phase out old buses: Bali

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 5

Transport and Food and Civil Supplies and Technical Education Minister GS Bali announced car-taxis and bike service for Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala and Dalhousie. The minister also said all HRTC buses which had completed nine years or more would be phased out. About 250 new buses would ply in remote routes in the state.

Addressing a press conference here today, Bali said he would present the proposed car-taxis and bike scheme before the Cabinet for its final approval. “We are starting this scheme in Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie and Dharamsala”, he added.

The HRTC is buying about 250 smaller buses and would phase about 340 old buses in the coming months, he added.

On the shortage of ration at PDS deports, Bali said more pulses had arrived. These were delayed due to tendering process. The ration card holders would get alert on their mobile phones on the availability of the ration in the PDS deports, he added.

Bali said the Government of India was reviewing the subsidies given on different items and schemes. A meeting in this regard is being held in Delhi soon.