To ease Diwali rush, HRTC deploys additional buses

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has deployed a record number of special buses from Delhi, Chandigarh and Baddi to ease the travel rush on Diwali.

This was announced by Pankaj Chadda, Divisional Manager, HRTC Dharamsala, during a press briefing.

A total of 98 special buses have been introduced on peak travel days — 38 on October 17 and 60 on October 18 — helping thousands of people return home from major cities. These buses were in addition to the regular services and covered key destinations, including Jogindernagar, Baijnath, Palampur, Nagrota Bagwan, Dharamsala, Pathankot and Chamba depots.

On October 17, 25 buses departed from Delhi, 12 from Chandigarh and 1 from Baddi. The following day saw 33 from Delhi, 12 from Chandigarh and 15 from Baddi catering to the festive rush.

Chadda highlighted that 10 Volvo buses were also deployed to offer enhanced comfort, maintaining affordability for passengers.

“The HRTC is always committed to ensuring that people from Himachal, working or studying across the country, can conveniently return home for Diwali,” said Chadda.

Additionally, special services on Diwali, October 20, will run to Delhi, Shimla and Haridwar, with similar plans being prepared for the return journey post-festival.

The proactive approach of the HRTC has brought much-needed relief to festive travellers, reaffirming the corporation’s dedication to public service during peak demand.