Launch of Electric Buses and Infrastructure Development in Nurpur
New Electric Buses Unveiled in Nurpur
On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurated five new electric buses at the HRTC workshop located in Jasur. These buses will serve various routes from the Pathankot depot, including Pathankot–Baijnath, Dada Siba, Gagret, Haripur–Dharamshala, and Kundihar. Additionally, he allocated ₹1 crore for enhancing the HRTC workshop facilities at Jasur.
Transforming the HRTC Fleet
Agnihotri highlighted the government's initiative to modernize the HRTC fleet, which includes plans to introduce 1,000 electric buses, 200 hydrogen buses, and 250 diesel buses. Furthermore, recruitment efforts for 300 drivers and 300 conductors will commence shortly.
Fina Singh Project to Move Forward
The Deputy CM announced a budget of ₹350 crore for the long-awaited Fina Singh Project, a vision of the late leader Sat Mahajan. Although ₹300 crore had already been utilized, the project faced delays for nearly 12 years. Agnihotri assured that construction would now proceed rapidly, benefiting the Nurpur community and honoring Mahajan's legacy.
Water and Sewerage Initiatives in Nurpur
Agnihotri also reported that the Jal Shakti Department is currently executing sewerage projects worth ₹42.50 crore and drinking water initiatives totaling ₹35 crore in the Nurpur area.
Electric Buses to Enhance Daily Travel
According to HRTC Divisional Manager Pankaj Chadha, each electric bus is expected to cover a distance of at least 250 km daily, with charging stations already established in Jasur and Pathankot. The inaugural bus was dispatched for the Baijnath Temple route.
Community Support for Development
Deputy Chairman (Planning) Bhavani Singh Pathania praised the introduction of electric buses as a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost-effective transportation. Former MLA Ajay Mahajan expressed gratitude to the Deputy CM for his commitment to fostering development in the Nurpur region.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including HRTC Vice Chairman Ajay Verma, Block Congress President Sandesh Dadwal, Nurpur Municipal Council Chairperson Neeti Mahajan, SP Ilma Afroz, SDM Arun, along with HRTC officials, drivers, conductors, and other notable guests.