The Rohtang Pass will now be accessible to tourists at a reasonable price. According to a recent development, electric buses will run on this route, and the permit need not be booked in advance.
In a bid to promote sustainable tourism, the Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC) will be running electric buses on the Manali-Rohtang-Atal tunnel-Manali route. Reports have it that, as of now, three buses will be available on the said route. As the demand for such buses rises on the route, more buses will be introduced.
According to reports, visitors will be charged INR 600 for a seat in both directions from the Manali bus stand.
As per DK Narang, Regional Manager of HRTC at Kullu, electric buses will begin traveling from Manali in the morning and make their way to Rohtang Pass via Kothi, Gulaba, and Marhi. Tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy the snow at Rohtang when the buses stop there. Koksar in the Lahaul valley will be followed by the Atal tunnel that leads back to Manali.
According to him, HRTC Volvo bus staff inform those traveling to Manali in their vehicles about the electric bus service. He claims regenerative braking can be used to recharge buses at the depot once they have been charged in Manali.
Private vehicles are required to obtain a Rohtang Pass permit, which must be booked online and may be difficult to obtain during the summer months. Electric buses are not required to have permits, however.
More information on Manali:
