Shimla, April 5 -- Grappling with a deepening financial crisis, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh has approved a bus fare hike and reclaimed key hydropower projects from central PSUs.

The Cabinet has approved a hike in the minimum fare for bus travel across the state. The fare has been doubled from Rs 5 to Rs 10, citing the mounting losses incurred by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).

The government defended the move as essential to keep the "public transport system afloat."

The decision is expected to evoke strong reactions from the public, but the government maintains that it is a necessary step under the current fiscal stress.

Simultaneously, the Cabinet also approved the takeover of four m...