Private bus operators’ strike over HRTC demands causes commuter woes in Shimla

Thousands of people in Shimla faced huge inconvenience due to the indefinite strike by private bus operators in the state capital. The strike was over their demand to restrict the entry and exit of HRTC buses in Shimla that are coming from more than 40 km away, along with other demands.

Hundreds of private buses were parked outside the RTO in Shimla by the private bus operators in protest of the non-fulfilment of their demands. The private bus operators also raised slogans against the HRTC over their demands. As a result of the strike, people in the town were seen struggling to commute to their destinations.

While many used their private vehicles and taxis to reach their destinations, the majority of the people, including school children and college and university students, waited for government buses. Hundreds of people were seen heading to their destinations on foot.

The private bus operators have been demanding that HRTC buses on long routes and private buses should not be allowed to enter Shimla, as these buses lead to traffic jams, affecting the timings and total trips of local private buses. They claimed that these buses also pick up local passengers, causing financial losses to local private buses in the town.

Apart from this, the private bus operators have also claimed that many HRTC buses, which are used as school buses, allow passengers, causing them losses. They said that the notification regarding this order was already passed in 2011, but HRTC and some private bus operators are not following the directions.

The private bus operators have made it clear that they will continue with their strike in the town until their demands are met. Meanwhile, RTO Shimla, Anil Sharma, said that the department has held talks with the HRTC Managing Director, who has ordered the prohibition of the entry of HRTC buses coming from more than 40 km in Shimla.

However, there seems to be some misunderstanding between the private bus operators and HRTC, leading to the strike. Therefore, private bus operators must sort it out with HRTC officials.

Around 106 private local buses operate in Shimla and provide transportation services to the people of the town on a daily basis. Meanwhile, HRTC plied additional buses in the town to ensure the convenience of the people.