Shimla private bus operators announce strike against HRTC buses entering city
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Punjab), October 12, 2025: Private bus drivers and conductors in Shimla have announced a strike on Monday, October 13, protesting against the entry of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses covering distances of more than 40 kilometres into the city area.
As a result, private bus services across Shimla are expected to remain suspended for the day.
The Private Bus Union has alleged that the unrestricted entry of long-distance HRTC buses into the city is worsening traffic congestion and causing financial losses to private operators.
Union president Rupal Lal Thakur said that after the construction of ISBT Tutikandi in 2011, it was decided that HRTC buses travelling over 40 kilometres would operate only from the Tutikandi terminal.
“Despite this, large HRTC buses continue to enter the city, leading to traffic jams and losses for private bus operators,” he stated.
Thakur also accused HRTC of using buses assigned to school duty to carry regular passengers, further affecting the business of private operators. He demanded that restrooms and basic facilities be provided at the Old Bus Stand for private drivers and conductors.
Meanwhile, HRTC Drivers’ Union president Man Singh and Conductors’ Union state head Preet Mahindra blamed private buses for the city’s traffic congestion. They assured the public that HRTC would operate additional services and extra trips on Monday to ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience due to the strike.