HRTC resumes bus service from Aut to Banjar in Kullu dist

After nearly two-and-a-half months break due to heavy monsoon-related damage to the road infrastructure, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) resumed its bus service between Aut and Banjar on the NH-305 in Kullu district yesterday. The restoration of service has brought much-needed relief to the residents of the region, especially during the festive season.

The service was suspended following landslides and widespread damage caused by heavy rains to the highway, which rendered the road unfit for travel. Until now, locals were dependent on private taxis to travel between Kullu and Banjar, often at high costs and with limited availability.

The first HRTC bus reached Banjar bus stand yesterday which was welcomed by residents. They were relieved to see public transport service resume on the route. Private buses have also begun operating between Kullu and Banjar.

However, efforts to extend the bus service beyond Banjar to Ghiyagi faced setbacks. HRTC conducted a trial run between Banjar and Ghiyagi, which failed due to the poor condition of the road at multiple points. Sources in HRTC confirmed that at least three to four locations between Banjar and Ghiyagi remain severely damaged with cracks and debris hampering bus movement.

The national highway authority has been informed of the situation. HRTC officials, including Banjar bus stand in-charge Deep Chand, reported that buses are getting stuck at several spots. Therefore, travel beyond Banjar is currently unsafe.

According to national highway officials, the monsoon has caused extensive damage to NH-305, with more than 100 points along the highway damaged. The estimated financial loss to the highway infrastructure is around Rs 120 crore. Officials say it will take time before full services can be resumed up to Ani and beyond.

Executive Engineer KL Suman confirmed that repair work has already begun on the worst-affected points and the aim is to make the highway fit for bus travel at the earliest. The full restoration of services from Banjar to Ani will depend on the completion of ongoing repair work and weather conditions.