Shimla, Aug. 17 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the state government has set a target of making the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) self-reliant within the next five years as the government expands its fleet of electric buses and moves towards cleaner public transport.

Sukhu virtually flagged off 25 new Type-I electric bus services for Mandi district from Paddal Ground in Mandi town. The initiative is aimed at promoting clean and environment-friendly public transportation while reducing HRTC's dependence on conventional fuel.

The Chief Minister said the state government has procured 297 Type-I electric buses as part of its efforts to expand HRTC's electric bus fleet. These buses are al...