HRTC to run electric buses in Lahaul-Spiti

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, August 2

The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is set to run electric buses in Lahaul-Spiti to ensure eco-friendly transportation in the region in the near future.

Transport Minister Govind Singh Thakur has directed officials concerned to prepare a detailed plan, which can be implemented soon.

To provide charging facility to the electric buses, charging stations will be set up at key locations. It is expected that after opening of Rohtang pass, the number of vehicles plying to Lahaul will increase. So use of electric buses for transportation will play a vital role in protecting environment in the region.

Two days ago, the Transport Minster visited Lahaul-Spiti to take stock of the situation. The minister said the state government was planning to make tribal areas a role model for the use of electric buses. During winters, because of temperature in minus degrees, the diesel freezes and it becomes a problem to run the buses.

Mangal Manepa, Regional Manager, HRTC depot, at Keylong, said the people of the region are more concerned about protecting the environment and he hailed the decision of the minister. 

The minister inspected the bus stand and approved Rs 30 lakh for the maintenance of residential building of the HRTC employees.  The minister assured the people that transportation facility would be strengthened in Lahaul-Spiti soon. The locals will be provided permit from the office of the Regional Manager of the HRTC to run private bus service in the district on local routes.  The minister said the employees engaged in the HRTC service in Lahaul-Spiti would be provided high-quality snow kit.

Bus charging facility 

To provide charging facility for the electric buses, charging stations will be set up at key locations. It is expected that after opening of Rohtang pass, the number of vehicles plying to Lahaul will increase. So the use of electric buses for transportation will play a vital role in protecting environment in the region.