• SHIMLA, 05.09.24-To promote cashless travel among commuters, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a new National Common Mobility Card of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here today. The card allows cashless travel in various public transports across the country and offers multiple payment options enabling users to access services across the country without cash. The HRTC is already offering cashless payment options through UPI, debit and credit cards in the state-run buses.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Sukhu said that the HRTC was the first State Transport Undertaking (STU) in the country to introduce such a facility. "This new initiative will be a milestone for Himachal Pradesh’s public transport, aiming to streamline travel and enhance user convenience across various transit systems nationwide," he said. The card’s interoperability allows it to be used in other public transport systems, including the Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Haryana Roadways and Mumbai’s BEST buses. Users from these networks will also be able to use their cards on HRTC buses, he added.

"This marks a major step towards a fully cashless travel system, offering greater convenience for passengers, even in regions with limited internet access. The state government is committed to transforming the HRTC into a self-sustaining organization by integrating technology into its operations. Strengthening the HRTC will ultimately benefit the people of the State," said Sh. Sukhu. He said that the card functions without internet making it ideal for remote regions with limited connectivity. The card requires a one-time issuance fee of Rs. 100, with subsequent top-ups available both online and through cash payments at any bus counter. He also commended the HRTC for launching the card in just six months, outpacing many other States that have either rolled out or were yet to roll out similar initiatives.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ram Kumar, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Harish Janartha, Suresh Kumar, Neeraj Nayyar, Sanjay Rattan and Capt. Ranjit Singh, Principal Secretary Transport R.D. Nazeem, Managing Director HRTC Rohan Chand Thakur and other dignitaries were also present at the occasion.