By IANS
Shimla : The state-run Himachal Road Transport Corp (HRTC) has sought funds from the state government to replace some 500 old buses with new ones.
HRTC officials said the company, already reeling under an accumulated debt of over Rs.3.50 billion, had urged the government to bail it out by paying Rs.710 million to buy new buses.
“HRTC submitted a project to the government last week asking for Rs.71 crore (Rs.710 million) to buy these buses,” HRTC managing director T.C. Janartha said here Wednesday.
The HRTC recently added 76 new buses to its fleet after auctioning as many old buses but is in no position to add another 500 new buses without assistance from the Himachal Pradesh government.
The state-run corporation has a fleet of some 1,700 buses. Many of these are no more considered roadworthy.
These buses consume more fuel and also have leaking roofs, causing a lot of inconvenience to the passengers, particularly in the countryside where these old vehicles operate often on poor roads.