Una, August 3: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri ceremonially flagged off five electric buses from the Una bus stand complex on Monday. This includes the newly launched electric bus service from Una to Dera Baba Rudranand Dham. He stated that the state government is committed to developing an eco-friendly, modern, and sustainable public transport system in Himachal. As part of this initiative, 297 electric buses are being inducted into the state fleet, with 50 allocated to Una district. He noted that for the first time in Himachal Pradesh's history, the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency has received a fleet of approximately 125 electric buses, which will significantly strengthen the public transport system in the region.
He mentioned that following the commencement of operations from the state's first e-bus depot in Haroli, e-bus services have now started from the Una depot as well. Within the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, electric buses have been allocated as follows: 50 to Una district, 35 to Hamirpur, 20 to Bilaspur, and 10 to Dehra. These buses will primarily operate in rural areas where there had been a long-standing demand for bus services. This will provide residents of rural areas with better, comfortable, and eco-friendly public transport facilities. He noted that the e-bus service from Haroli to Chintpurni has already been launched, and the service from Una to Dera Baba Rudranand Dham has now also commenced.
He added that the necessary charging infrastructure for the smooth operation of these electric buses has been established. Charging stations have been set up—two at the Una bus stand, two at the Rampur workshop, and one each at Amb, Haroli, and Dulehar.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the old bus stand in Una would be developed into a modern city center. Improved parking facilities, a multiplex, and a Municipal Corporation office will be constructed here, with the tendering process set to begin soon. Additionally, an HRTC tyre re-treading plant will be established in Una; the tendering process for this has already been completed, and the plant is expected to help reduce the corporation's operational costs.
After flagging off the e-buses, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the HRTC Regional Manager's office. During the visit, he met with representatives of private bus operators and listened to their concerns. Acceding to the operators' request, he announced that a room would be provided at the Una bus stand to serve as a waiting area for private bus drivers and conductors.
Former MLA Satpal Singh Raizada, District Congress President Deshraj Gautam, State Transport Authority member Ashok Thakur, former District Congress President and Private Bus Operators' Union President Rajesh Parashar, Block Congress President Ravindra Sohad, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, HRTC Divisional Manager Rajkumar Pathak, Regional Manager Vijay Joshi, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.