Under the agreement, DTDC will
utilise HRTC’s extensive fleet and route network to move parcels between major
towns and remote interior destinations, effectively turning HRTC buses into
“mobile courier” carriers alongside regular passenger services. The
collaboration is expected to cut transit times, boost reliability and give
e-commerce and SME shippers better access to districts such as Kinnaur,
Lahaul–Spiti, Chamba and other hard-to-reach regions.
DTDC said the public–private
alliance will help it reach “no matter how high the altitude,” while HRTC gains
an additional revenue stream by monetising spare capacity on its scheduled
services.
The model could emerge as a template for hill and rural logistics in other
states, supporting inclusive supply chains and service access in geographically
challenging areas.