CM Flags Off Nadaun–Hamirpur–Ghumarwin–Delhi Volvo Bus, Himachal Becomes First State to Introduce National Common Mobility Card.
Hamirpur:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off the Nadaun–Hamirpur–Ghumarwin–Delhi Volvo bus service of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), marking another significant step toward strengthening long-distance public transport connectivity in the state. The launch took place after the Chief Minister participated in the Anti-Chitta (Heroin) Mega Walkathon organized at Hamirpur.
As per the schedule, the newly introduced Volvo bus will depart daily from Nadaun at 7:00 am, reach Hamirpur at 8:00 am and Ghumarwin at 9:00 am. The bus will leave Chandigarh at 11:40 am and arrive in Delhi at 4:40 pm. On the return journey, it will depart from Delhi at 8:30 am and reach Nadaun at 6:30 pm.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the State Government has undertaken several transformative initiatives to modernize public transport, making it more commuter-friendly, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. He said that to enhance passenger convenience, digital payment options such as UPI, debit cards, and credit cards have now been enabled in HRTC buses.
Highlighting a major achievement, the Chief Minister announced that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce the ‘National Common Mobility Card’ (NCMC) facility in its state transport system. With this card, passengers can travel seamlessly across the country, including on the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, Haryana Roadways, and buses operating in western Mumbai. He added that facilities such as the Him Bus Card, Him Bus Plus Card, and Green Card are also being provided to ensure concessional and free travel for eligible categories of passengers.
The Chief Minister further informed that 297 new electric buses are being added to the HRTC fleet as part of the state’s push for green mobility. With the induction of 25 state-of-the-art Volvo buses, the total number of Volvo buses in the HRTC fleet has now increased to 98. Additionally, 50 tempo travellers and 24 super luxury buses have already been purchased. He said the procurement process for 250 diesel buses, 100 mini buses, and four cranes is currently underway.
To improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas, the Chief Minister said that 234 new bus routes are being notified across the state. He also informed that the process for allotting 350 new permits for tempo traveller vehicles with seating capacity of up to 18 passengers is in progress.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation, CM Sukhu said that EV charging stations are being established at 88 petrol pumps and 41 locations along six green corridors. In addition, 310 charging stations are being installed at various locations, including rest houses and government offices across Himachal Pradesh. Charging stations are also being set up at 41 additional locations under the public-private partnership mode, he added.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives reflect the state government’s vision of providing safe, affordable, technologically advanced, and environmentally sustainable public transport to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
