In order to generate more revenue from tourism, the government is paying special attention towards tribal areas that include Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi, Chamba, Lahaul and other important districts. As all these districts are located near the borders of Tibet, therefore it becomes quite difficult to reach these regions thus isolating them from the state of Himachal Pradesh. Hence government is taking steps to improve the districts.

The only way to reach these destinations is buses and directs services are available from Delhi as well as other locations. If you are visiting Himachal Pradesh from Delhi, you can follow any of the three routes.

• Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Kaza route
• Delhi-Chandigarh-Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Keylong-Leh
• Delhi-Chandigarh-Kangra-Dharamsala or Delhi-Chandigarh-Kangra-Chamba

The bus services are very cheap and easily available from different locations. Volvo is considered to be the most comfortable bus service with affordable fare fixed by the HPTDC.

Geography and Buses

Over the time, a number of improvements have been seen in transport facilities of Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh has top class bus services that people look forward to. Though the state has three airports and two railway stations but still most of the tourists and local residents prefer buses be their prime source of travelling from one location to another.

Despite the state have other modes of transport available for the people but road remains to be the first preference of the people. The railway tracks connect Pathankot and Jogindernagar, Kalka with Shimla and other important routes too. But to the surprise, only a few people rely on these services as the rest of them travel by buses only. This is the reason that HPTDC is working towards the growth of the bus services.

Passenger Safety

Safety is the first concern of the tourism department and therefore a number of measures are taken to reduce accidents and provide better services.

• Drivers are fully trained before they are appointed for running the buses.
• Strict actions are taken against the drivers who follow a casual behavior while driving.
• Drivers are made familiar with the traffic rules for complete safety.
• Banned playing music while driving and use of bigger size rear view mirror.
• Breath Analyzers are used to ensure that whether the drivers are drunk or not.
• Regular medical check up ensures that the drivers are fit and healthy. 
• The buses are taken to the workshops for regular maintenance so that faults can be resolved to minimize the risk of accidents.

• Every driver has to produce the medical fitness certificate before they join the services after being ill for some time.
• Buses will only run on the road if they have received the permission from the Road Inspection Committee.
• Training of the new recruiters is handled by the PCRA to train drivers with discipline and other basic qualities.
• Drivers are not allowed to use mobiles when they are on duty.

IT in HRTC

It was in 1994 that the HRTC adopted modern ways of computerizing their activities by installing one Server (486 EISA Machine) and five terminals for better functioning of the department.

The activities which are accomplished through computerized systems include

• Monthly Review Data & its Analysis
• Route-wise Information
• Vehicle-wise Information
• GPF/CPF Computerization
• Limit Issue to the Depots
• Payroll
• Daily Monitoring System

At the Depot Level the following Activities have been Computerized

• Route-wise Information
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Store Inventory
• Payroll
• Issue of Concessional Passes
• Advance Reservation

E-Tendering

The main motive of e-tendering was to ensure transparency and it was started in July 2007. This resulted in superior services that benefited the people.

Internet On-Line Booking

From July 2007, online booking services are also open thus helping the people to get their reservation done in advance. We are second in the country to introduce this facility.

Introduction Of Electronic Ticketing Machines

With the help of 2300 electronic bus ticketing machines, it becomes quite easy to distribute fftickets and even calculate the cash without any problem.