Delhi pollution: Volvo bus services hit, some routes clubbed

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended plying of 15 Volvo buses to Delhi from various parts of the state following the directions of the Delhi Government.

In view of deteriorating air quality, the Delhi Government has directed that only BS-6, electric and CNG buses would be allowed to enter the national capital from other states.

“Instead of 43 Volvo buses, only 27 went to Delhi today from the state. The public, though, will not be affected much as some routes from Shimla and Manali have been clubbed,” said HRTC MD Rohan Chand Thakur.

The HRTC had to take off several Volvo buses from the Delhi route as it doesn’t have enough BS-6 Volvo buses that meet emission standards set by the government. Thakur said the Delhi Government’s decision would not affect the ordinary bus services to Delhi in any way.

“We have enough BS-6 ordinary buses. So, ordinary bus services will continue as before,” the MD said.

The Volvo bus routes to New Delhi from the state that have been suspended include Shimla (9.45 am, 9.30 pm), Hamirpur (9 pm), Rohru (5 pm), Dalhousie (2.55 pm), Chintpurni (8.15 pm), Manali (8 am, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm), McLeodganj (5.35 pm), Palampur (6.40 pm and 7 pm) and Nalagarh (8.15 pm).