Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The Kumaon division of Uttarakhand is set to receive over 100 new buses to improve public transportation, especially in mountainous regions. Out of the 130 buses recently procured by the state’s Transport Corporation (UTC), a fleet of 107 has been allocated to Kumaon. So far, 54 buses have reached the division’s nine depots, while the remaining are expected to arrive soon. The new fleet is anticipated to streamline transportation in the region, with several buses planned to operate on routes connecting Kumaon to Delhi.
According to officials, the Pithoragarh depot will receive the highest allocation with 28 buses, 13 of which have already arrived. Depots at Ranikhet, Ramnagar, and Almora will each be provided with over 10 buses. Almora has received seven out of its total 12 buses, while Ranikhet has seven of its 15 buses. Ramnagar, allocated 16 buses, has received only three so far.
Smaller depots are also benefiting from the new fleet. Bageshwar is set to receive 10 buses, with four already in place. Lohaghat has received its full quota of 12 buses, while Kathgodam has received two of its five. Bhowali has four of its seven buses, and Haldwani has received its full quota of two buses.
Efforts are underway to ensure the timely arrival of the remaining buses. Manoj Durgapal, Assistant General Manager of the Divisional Office, Kathgodam, said, “We are making every effort to provide buses to the hills as soon as possible. The remaining fleet will reach before the New Year.”
