Himachal Introduces ‘Hop On - Hop Off’ Luxury Buses on Tourist Routes

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has achieved a milestone by earning a historic dividend of more than Rs 100 crore for the first time. This was stated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while chairing a meeting of HPTDC and Tourism Department. He said that the state government is investing Rs 2415 crore to attract tourists in the state, through which better tourism infrastructure, way-side amenities and other adventure activities are being promoted. The Chief Minister has directed the Tourism Department to provide food vans to the local people and start Hop-on, Hop-off luxury bus service on local tourist routes in the state.

Tourism Infrastructure and Projects

The Chief Minister urged the department to expedite the construction work of Shivdham in Mandi district and the beautification of Renuka lake area for the convenience of tourists. He also directed the officers to ensure early operation of heliport to facilitate air connectivity to various tourist destinations of the state. The Chief Minister also reviewed the expansion projects of Kangra, Shimla and Bhuntar airports so that better air transport facilities are available to tourists in the state.

Financial Achievements of HPTDC

He said that compared to the annual profit of Rs 78 crore of the corporation during the tenure of the previous BJP government, the present state government has achieved a profit of Rs 107 crore despite facing challenges like natural disaster. He said that this achievement has been achieved as a result of effective management of the corporation's hotels and restaurants, regular maintenance and best use of assets.

Support to Pensioners and Future Plans

The Chief Minister said that as a result of the profit earned by HPTDC, the corporation has released Rs 41 crore to the pensioners during the last two and a half years, whereas the previous BJP government had distributed only Rs 26 crore during five years. He directed the officers to further improve the services provided by the corporation and explore the possibility of leasing out the unused properties of the corporation to the private sector on operation and repair basis.

Collaborations and Revenue Boost

He appreciated the MoU signed between HPTDC and Food and Civil Supplies Corporation for the supply of ration and other essential commodities to HPTDC hotels. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu reviewed various developmental projects of the Tourism Department and directed to expedite the work on these projects so that better facilities can be provided to the tourists visiting the state and this will increase the revenue of the state.