Himachal’s deputy chief minister and transport minister, Agnihotri, announced that gutkha and liquor advertisements will be removed from state buses. This decision came after the recent board of directors meeting of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation. 

At a press conference in Shimla, the deputy CM said HRTC plans to modernize its fleet by replacing about 1000 old buses. This step includes adding 327 electric buses, 250 small buses, and 100 mini-tempo buses. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing emissions and expanding the electric bus fleet. 

"The decision to remove gutkha and liquor advertisements from buses is part of the government's larger effort to curb drug addiction and promote a healthier society," said Deputy CM Agnihotri. He added that these changes are to prioritize public welfare, improve services, and strengthen the state’s transport infrastructure. 

He also announced an exemption from luggage charges for transporting milk and vegetables. "We have introduced this exemption to help farmers bring their produce to markets, thereby strengthening the state's economy," he stated. This step is to uplift the rural economy and agricultural sector. 

"HRTC is dedicated to public welfare," Deputy CM Agnihotri stated.

He also discussed HRTC's ongoing legal cases, revealing its involvement in 300 court cases.

"HRTC has recorded a 14% revenue increase from April to October, reaching Rs66 crore. We are focusing on modernising and expanding our fleet, introducing new electric and diesel buses, and ensuring better services for the people of Himachal," he said.

He also highlighted that Himachal is the first place in India to implement such advanced tech and measures as a national mobility card system, UPI, etc., which will benefit the HRTC passengers who travel daily.

On the infrastructure front, Agnihotri plans to establish automatic behavioral testing centers in Hamirpur and Una. He also announced the redesign of 148 surrendered routes and the reassessment of the ISBT Shimla allotment under the BOT model. 

He also got back at the opposition and dismissed the ‘toilet tax’ claims as baseless. 

"The BJP is spreading misinformation. If they want, they can sit in toilets all day to confirm no such tax exists. The sewerage tax, levied at 30% nationally, was introduced during BJP's tenure. Our government has merely amended it to ensure fairness for large commercial establishments using government sewerage lines," he said.

The Deputy CM also emphasized HRTC measures to guarantee prompt employee pension, salary, and benefit payments. 

"HRTC is not just a transport corporation; it's a lifeline for the people of Himachal Pradesh," he concluded.