Shimla, March 13 — Himachal Pradesh’s transport department is set to purchase 250 diesel buses and 100 tempo travellers, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told the state assembly while responding to BJP MLA Randhir Sharma’s query.
Agnihotri, who also holds the transport portfolio, said the state plans to buy around 1,500 electric buses, but due to an 11-month wait for deliveries, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will procure diesel buses to meet immediate transport needs.
“The state government is assisting HRTC in this purchase, as the corporation cannot manage such a large acquisition on its own,” Agnihotri said. “₹110 crore has already been received for setting up charging stations.”
He added that 327 electric buses would be acquired in the first phase, with tenders finalized for two companies. Each electric bus will cost approximately ₹1.15 crore.
Sharma questioned whether the state was prepared to bear the maintenance costs of the new fleet or if the “green energy” initiative would further strain finances.
Agnihotri also noted that, in line with central government directives, buses older than 15 years are being phased out.
