CPM protests increase in bus fare, demands rollback

The CPM staged a protest at Himachal Road Transport Corporation headquarters in Shimla today, demanding the rollback of the recent bus fare hike. The party submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri through the HRTC Managing Director.

The CPIM raised several key demands, including the immediate withdrawal of the 15 per cent increase in bus fares and the reduction of the minimum bus fare. The party has also demanded that the huge increase in school bus fares be rolled back, and that the privatisation of HRTC routes be stopped.

The CPM emphasised that the bus fare hike will put a significant economic burden on the public, particularly the poor and middle class, who rely heavily on buses for transportation. The protesters pointed out that the state already had one of the highest bus fares in the country and further increases will enhance the problem.

The CPM warned that if the demands were not met, it would mobilise the public and launch a massive agitation. The party has appealed to the government to reconsider the fare hike and provide relief to the people. The protest was attended by several CPM leaders, including state secretary Sanjay Chauhan, state committee member Jagat Ram and district committee members Balak Ram, Ram Singh and Anil Thakur, among others.