Himachal Road Transport Corporation notifies dhaba policy for better passenger experience

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has notified a policy to regulate the scheduled halts of its buses at roadside dhabas and eateries. The policy has been notified to improve passenger convenience, hygiene standards and operational transparency.

“Until now, such halts on long-distance and intra-state routes were being managed through ad-hoc arrangements and occasional administrative instructions, resulting in variations in passenger experience. The newly-approved policy provides a uniform and codified framework for the selection, empanelment, regulation and periodic review of eating points along HRTC routes,” said an HRTC spokesperson. The policy provides for penalties against non-compliant dhabas and empowering the corporation to blacklist outlets in cases of persistent violations.

To prevent over-empanelment, the policy mandates that any newly empanelled dhaba/eatery must be located at least 25 km away from an existing empanelled facility. “A strong emphasis has been placed on passenger-centric facilities such as clean toilets, safe drinking water, comfortable seating, safe parking and easy accessibility. Joint verification by a designated committee will be undertaken before any empanelment,” said the spokesperson.

A feedback mechanism through a helpline will allow passengers to share their experiences, and surprise inspections will be carried out, with strict enforcement measures including the removal of non-compliant Dhabas and imposition of penalties for violations.