Himachal Pradesh has strengthened direct public transport services to AIIMS Bilaspur, with the Himachal Road Transport Corporation operating 10 electric bus services from different parts of the state. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the services are benefiting around 1,000 patients and their attendants every day.

The initiative is intended to provide convenient, affordable and timely transport for people travelling to the hospital. Direct connections have removed the need for patients and attendants to change buses during their journey, allowing them to reach AIIMS Bilaspur within the scheduled time, according to the state government.

Electric bus services are currently being operated from Chintpurni, Una, Haroli, Solan, Mandi and Jahu. In Bilaspur district, direct bus services are also available from Karloti, Bandla, Shah Talai, Ghumarwin and Bilaspur. Four daily trips run from Ghumarwin to the hospital, while eight daily trips operate from Bilaspur.

The state government plans to connect more areas directly to AIIMS Bilaspur through HRTC services. Two new electric bus services are scheduled to start soon, with one running from Nalagarh via Ramshehar and another from Baddi via Bagheri.

A new service will also be introduced from the Nachan Assembly constituency, while further areas may be connected based on requirements. Agnihotri said the expansion was aimed at improving access to healthcare and enabling patients and their attendants to travel safely, comfortably and economically. The direct services are part of efforts to strengthen transport links with the hospital and reduce the difficulties faced by people seeking treatment there.