Remote Himachal villages ‘cut off’ as temple bus service suspended
The government-run bus service connecting Shimla with the Maa Bhangaayni Temple, Lani Borad and many other remotest areas of Sirmaur district under the “Pratham Darshan Seva” initiative was discontinued last week following a court order related to a scheduling dispute. The suspension has left residents of several remote panchayats in Sirmaur district facing significant inconvenience.
The bus service, introduced in November 2023, was a lifeline for remote areas like Ronhat, Koti Boch, Ajroli, Panog, Jarwa-Juneli, Dahar, Buiyong, Ranwa, Dasakna, Korg and other surrounding villages in Haripurdhar. It was the only government transport option connecting these regions to Shimla, providing a critical link for rural populations.
Under the “Pratham Darshan Seva” programme, the service was initially designed to connect Shimla with religious sites, including the Maa Bhangaayni Temple in Haripurdhar. Later, it was extended to Lani Borad for overnight stays, directly benefiting dozens of panchayats in the Ronhat area. The service offered affordable fares, including half-price tickets for women and special benefits for green cardholders, smart cardholders and persons with disabilities.
The suspension follows a legal challenge by private bus operators who raised objections over the government’s scheduling of this service. Reports indicate that the court directed the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to revise the schedule to address these concerns.
The decision has caused widespread dissatisfaction among locals, as the service was vital for their connectivity. “This bus was a great relief for our community, especially for women and senior citizens. Its suspension has created immense difficulties,” said Loza Manal’s vice pradhan, Layak Ram.
Local leaders, including Koti Boch panchayat Pradhan Chandra Devi, Lani Borad panchayat Pradhan Ramesh Kumar, and former BDC chairperson of Shillai, Tulsi Ram Ninta, have urged the transport department to expedite the process of revising the timetable. They emphasized that the resumption of this service is critical for ensuring access to Shimla for residents in these remote regions.
“This bus service was not only about transportation; it was a lifeline for education, healthcare, and religious visits. We request the transport department to prioritize the matter and restore the service with a new timetable,” said Tulsi Ram Ninta.
The “Pratham Darshan Seva” initiative was introduced to enhance connectivity to religious sites while offering affordable and inclusive travel. Its suspension highlights the challenges of balancing public welfare with private sector interests.
As the Transport Department works on revising the schedule, the affected communities are hopeful for a swift resolution that reinstates their access to Shimla and Maa Bhangaayni Temple. For now, however, the absence of this vital service continues to disrupt daily life for hundreds in Sirmaur’s remote villages.