Tribune News Service
Shimla, February 5
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will soon purchase 300 new buses in addition to 16 modern luxury buses process for which had been initiated, said Transport Minister G S Bali while presiding over a meeting of Bus Purchasing Committee of HRTC here today.
Bali informed that 16 new luxury would ply between capitals of other states and important religious places. This would encourage tourism in the state. He said the fleet of Volvo buses would be increased to 50.
Performance of Volvo luxury buses by the HRTC was satisfactory and these buses are comfortable and safe. Therefore, demand of these buses was increasing day by day, he added.
The minister further said 300 new buses would be purchased. Small buses would be plied in the far-flung and difficult terrain of the state. He said the buses purchased under JNNURM would ensure comfortable and safe travel for the passengers. He instructed the authorities to ensure comfortable seats.
The transport minister also instructed the members of the committee that the buses bought in wet lease should be provided with the HRTC drivers. He said that the safety of the passengers was a priority of the state government which should be ensured at all cost.
Managing Director, HRTC Ashok Tiwari, Executive Director R K Gautam, General Manager H K Gupta and other senior officers along with non-official members were also present at the meeting.