Manali-Keylong Volvo run a success

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 14

In a boost to tourism in Lahaul and Spiti, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) conducted a successful trial of a Volvo bus from Manali to Keylong in Lahaul Spiti today.

“It’s a big day for the people of Lahaul and Spiti as well as the HRTC. We took a Volvo bus for the first time from Manali to Keylong,” said HRTC MD Sandeep Kumar. The HRTC is now mulling to start a Volvo from Keylong to Delhi. “Once the corona restrictions ease and the inter-state bus service is allowed, we will start a direct Volvo between Keylong and Delhi,” said the MD.

Sandeep Kumar believes the Delhi-Keylong Volvo service will offer a major thrust to tourism in the valley. In another first, the HRTC also plied two electric buses from Manali to Keylong.

“These two buses will ply between Keylong to Manali via Atal Tunnel. One will go in morning and return in afternoon, the other will go in evening and return the next morning,” he said.

“The availability of a Volvo and two electric buses will facilitate the travel of both locals and tourists. It’s going to boost tourism in a big way in the valley,” said Sandeep Kumar.

Besides, the HRTC will shortly conduct a trial run of a Tempo Traveller from Manali to Chandertal. “This service, too, will play a major role in promoting tourism. We intend to conduct the trial run within a week,” he said.