In an announcement made on January 18th, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri shared that Himachal Pradesh is on the verge of becoming the first state in India to introduce a comprehensive digital ticketing system for government buses. This innovative system will facilitate payments through various means, including debit and credit cards, UPI, QR codes, and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), thus offering passengers convenient cashless options for purchasing bus tickets.
Addressing the media in Shimla, Agnihotri disclosed that a cutting-edge Integrated Ticketing Management System is currently in the developmental phase. During the 155th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), where he also serves as the head of the Transport Department, Agnihotri unveiled some significant decisions.
He emphasized that the introduction of this ticketing system will not only benefit local commuters but also enable travelers to use cashless payment methods for public transportation in metro trains, railway stations, airports, and across various states. Moreover, this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to promote eco-friendly practices, as diesel buses will gradually be replaced by electric buses. The HRTC plans to procure 1,932 electric buses over the next four years, with an initial 297 expected to join the fleet in the fiscal year 2024-25.
Agnihotri assured that the process of purchasing these buses would be entirely transparent, as the HRTC will conduct global tenders annually. Additionally, he introduced the Centralised Inventory Management System (CIMS) to improve inventory monitoring and control at the head office and block levels. This system enables units in need of spare parts to place online orders with other units, eliminating local procurement inefficiencies and saving public funds.
The CIMS is currently in a trial phase at the Tara Devi and Jassur divisional workshops and the Shimla (local), Una, and Dharamsala regional workshops. To enhance services further, Agnihotri launched an information booklet for the Pratham Darshan service and directed the HRTC to rebrand buses operating under this service. He also announced that an online bus pass issuance system for students and other passengers would be introduced soon.
Furthermore, the HRTC has allocated Rs 11.43 crore to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board to establish electric charging stations at 11 locations, including Shimla (local), Hamirpur, and Nadaun. Agnihotri urged the HRTC to focus on publicity efforts to ensure that all information and services related to the corporation are readily accessible online. This move towards modernization and digitization is expected to significantly enhance the convenience and efficiency of public transportation services in Himachal Pradesh.