Dharamshala, June 17
Dharamshala is set to receive Himachal Pradesh’s first state-of-the-art smart workshop and a modern bus stand equipped with advanced facilities, according to Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Vice-Chairman Ajay Verma.
Addressing the media, Verma described the project as a landmark initiative for HRTC and said it would be the first project of its kind in the state, featuring a modern bus stand, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart technology-based facilities.
He said approximately ₹13 crore had been spent on the project. Developed along the lines of the Smart City Dharamshala initiative, the facility features modern architecture and smart features.
According to Verma, two electric charging stations have been installed at the site, enabling four electric buses to be charged simultaneously. He said the charging units would provide faster charging compared to conventional systems.
“The Chief Minister is dedicating this important project to Dharamshala today. He will also flag off three new electric buses,” Verma said.
During the interaction, the HRTC Vice-Chairman also expressed dissatisfaction over the stalled bus stand construction project in Dharamshala. He said the work had been awarded to a private company around eight to nine years ago, but only a structural framework had been completed so far.
Verma noted that the project remained unfinished despite the completion of the previous BJP government’s tenure and with the current Congress government’s term also nearing its end.
He alleged that the contractor concerned had been reluctant to complete the work. As a result, the department is seeking legal advice and is preparing to take the matter to court.
Verma further stated that permit applications had been submitted for three new buses proposed for operation within Dharamshala city. The approval process with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is in its final stages, and services will commence once the necessary permissions are granted.
