Hike in bus fares causes outrage

A wave of discontent has swept through Kullu following a sudden fare hike in the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Mudrika bus service. The fare for the 2-kilometre journey from Akhara Bazar to Dhalpur has doubled from Rs 5 to Rs 10, sparking sharp criticism among daily commuters.

“This 100 per cent increase is absurd. Paying such an amount for a short, overcrowded bus ride is unjustified,” said a school student, expressing frustration over the hike. Rajni Sharma, a school teacher, echoed similar concerns, stating, “I rely on the Mudrika service every day. This sudden rise will make it difficult to manage my monthly expenses.” College students and elderly citizens, who depend on affordable fares, have also expressed their distress over the new pricing.

Shilpi, an office-goer, pointed to the challenges of commuting in the packed Mudrika bus that departs from Akhara at 9.30 a.m. “Women, children and the elderly face immense difficulties due to overcrowding. To alleviate the rush, two buses should be scheduled at 9 am and 9.15 am,” she suggested.

The fare hike has sparked growing frustration across the state, with rising fares on both HRTC and private bus services. Many argue HRTC fares were already higher than those in neighbouring states, making the latest increase seem unreasonable. “The government should prioritise public welfare rather than treating basic transportation as a revenue source,” said Mohan, a local resident.

The fare increases, applied to Mudrika, ordinary, deluxe and super luxury services, are said to be necessary to cover rising operational costs and fuel price fluctuations. However, the hike has drawn widespread backlash, particularly from middle-income commuters, who see it as an unfair financial burden.

The public outcry has prompted local leaders to raise the issue in upcoming legislative sessions. While the government has yet to comment on a potential rollback, mounting pressure could force a reconsideration — especially with the approaching tourist season, when both residents and visitors rely heavily on public transport.

The controversy has ignited a broader debate on the affordability of public transport, the role of government subsidies and long-term strategies for sustainable mobility in the hill state.