SHIMLA: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has decided to purchase 30 electric buses to promote and implement smart and pollution-free public transport. These buses will hit the streets of Shimla within six months.
Each new bus will cost Rs 76.97 lakh and have about 30-seat capacity.
Govind Singh Thakur, Transport Minister of Himachal Pradesh said, “The focus is on improving the HRTC operation and give better service to the people.”
“The charging time of buses is less than 60 minutes and the drive range is 150 km,” said H.K. Gupta, General Manager, HRTC.
The HRTC will procure electric buses under FAME India Scheme, which was launched in April 2015 by the Ministry of Heavy Transport and Public Enterprise to promote pollution- free and smart public transport in the cities.
For the purchase of these buses Centre will provide with 60 per cent funds while 40 per cent will be contributed by the State.