Chamba’s ageing bus fleet, breakdowns hamper journeys

Our Correspondent

Chamba, August 10

The Chamba depot of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is facing significant challenges as it continues to operate with buses that have exceeded their lifespan and are in a state of disrepair.

Despite being deemed unfit for service, these buses are navigating the steep and winding roads of the region, often breaking down mid-journey and leaving passengers stranded. Over the past few days, multiple buses have encountered breakdowns such as engine failures, gear malfunctions and other technical faults, leading to growing frustration among the commuters.

There is an urgent call from the public for the government and transport authorities to introduce new buses to the fleet and thoroughly repair the existing ones to avoid disruptions and ensure reliable service.

Operational buses overworked

• The Chamba Depot has 154 buses, including six AC buses, which operate within the state,

  on interstate routes and to various other regions of the district

• Over the past six years, only 15 new buses have been added to the Chamba fleet. However, some vehicles, which are unfit for plying on local routes, are being used on long distance routes
• Some operational buses are being overworked, as these are immediately redeployed to other routes without any downtime, leading to frequent breakdowns

The Chamba depot has 154 buses, including six AC buses, which operate within the state, on interstate routes and to various other regions of the district. At present, around 10 buses are out of commission and have been parked at the HRTC’s local workshop. These include six buses from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNRUM) fleet, which remain unrepaired due to the non-availability of spare parts.

Some operational buses are being overworked as these are immediately redeployed to other routes without any downtime, leading to frequent breakdowns.

The Chamba HRTC operates on approximately 175 routes, but due to the shortage of buses and technical issues, service is not available on at least 10 routes. Some routes that were discontinued during the Covid pandemic are yet to resume operations.

Additionally, due to the poor condition of the fleet, the JNNURM buses are also not available on these routes. The commuters are demanding the restoration of services on the closed routes, along with the introduction of new routes.

Over the past six years, only 15 new buses have been added to the Chamba fleet. However, some vehicles, which are unfit for plying on local routes, are being used on long distance inter-district routes.

“We conduct thorough inspections and repairs of all buses before these are deployed on routes, but some buses are still experiencing technical issues on the road. We are working to provide alternative transportation for passengers in the event of a breakdown. The corporation is committed to improving services and ensuring passenger safety,” said Shughal Singh, HRTC Regional Manager.

Notably, in the past month alone, more than a dozen buses have malfunctioned on various routes in Chamba — including Chamba-Kihar, Himgiri, Bhanjradu, Sanwal, Manglera, Saho-Kidi, Jumhhar-Agarh, Bharmour, Holi, Radi, Bhardela and on routes in Chowari, Sihunta and Pangi. These frequent breakdowns are causing significant inconvenience to the passengers.