Shimla, Jan 23,
With more 6000 percent rise in digital transactions the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has made significant strides in digital innovation, marking a transformative shift in public transportation services.
Over the past year, HRTC has witnessed an extraordinary surge in digital payment figures. Daily cashless transactions grew from a modest 40 in March 2024 to an impressive 2,467 by January 2025—a staggering 6,067% increase. Similarly, the use of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) skyrocketed, with daily transactions rising from just 2 in September 2024 to 806 by January 2025. These milestones highlight a growing public preference for digital payment methods and underline HRTC’s success in reshaping the commuting experience, informed Rohan Thakur, MD, HRTC.
He added that the exponential growth in digital payments is a testament to the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. Their vision to integrate technology with public transportation has transformed HRTC into a model of innovation, he claimed.
The efforts echo the principle that “Where there is a will, there is a way,” driving not just operational efficiency but also passenger trust and satisfaction, stated the MD.
This digital revolution has brought multiple benefits to commuters and HRTC alike. Faster transactions, reduced reliance on physical currency, and improved operational transparency are just some of the advantages.
Noteworthy that a survey by a vernacular daily of the State further revealed that 75% of the public prefer HRTC over private operators due to its reliability and quality of services—a preference bolstered by the seamless digital payment systems.
Passenger feedback mirrors this sentiment. Varun Azad, a frequent traveler, commended the efforts, saying, “Great work.” Dewansh Negi attributed the achievement to strong leadership, noting, “If intentions are clear and goals are set, nothing is impossible.”
Many passengers even hope that like HRTC soon private bus operators will also start modernising the ticketing system. “Perhaps this change will motivate private bus operators to atleast start giving tickets on receipt of money, stated another Atul a local commuter of Shimla.
By prioritizing technological advancements and passenger convenience, HRTC is not only revolutionizing travel in Himachal Pradesh but also paving the way for others to follow.
