Shimla, Jan. 13 -- The Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, on Tuesday said that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) should not be viewed merely through the prism of profit and loss, asserting that the state-run transporter is a public service institution with a deep emotional connection with the people of the state.

Speaking to media in Shimla, Agnihotri said HRTC has completed 50 years of service and plays a critical role in the absence of adequate air and rail connectivity in the hill state.

"It is wrong to assess HRTC only on the basis of profit and loss. People share an emotional bond with this organisation. Himachal does not have sufficient air connectivity or a robust rail...