By:Mohan Lal Verma
Himachal Pradesh government was contemplating reduction in the bus fares for a long time and after getting a nod from the cabinet this reduction will prove as a relief for the common man in the coming budget.
Transport Minister G.S Bali confirmed this while addressing a press conference here today. He said that Himachal Transport services have witnessed a revolution by introducing more than 100 buses under GNRUM scheme with reduced fixed bus fares in the state.
Bali also said that 815 new buses, with modern technology, fitted with cameras, self door closing system and all computerized controls with the driver will be introduced in the HRTC fleet shortly to provide convenient, secure, comfortable, clean and cheap bus service in this hill state. He also confirmed that 580 buses and 535 star buses will be introduced in the HRTC fleet on March 31st this year.
He said “after these 815 buses will be introduced the only stumbling block in putting them on the routes is non-availability of the adequate number of conductors but he has already directed the authorities to look for some alternative to overcome this hurdle.
The private bus operators should not feel disturbed over the introduction of new buses in HRTC as it is going to be a joint venture of HRTC and private operators to provide safe, secure, comfortable and cheap transport services to the people in the state”.
Transport Minister also said that under ‘ Last mile Connectivity’ scheme the transport authorities will attach private buses on particular routes or even could provide buses to individuals to run the services. He said that a new bus service has been started from Tanda to Manali via Kangra and back by the same route to provide facilities to patients and the attendants visiting DRPGMC Tanda.
Regarding the recent attack on BJP workers at Shimla G.S Bali said that no one was free to take law in his own hands and he condemns the incident and has however asked BJP leadership to wait for results of the inquiry and then demand for CBI inquiry but in the meanwhile both parties must cooperate with the investigating agencies and wait for the results .
