Shimla Private Bus Strike on October 13 Against Entry of Long-Distance HRTC Buses into City
Shimla: Private bus drivers and conductors in Shimla have announced a strike on October 13 to protest the entry of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses traveling more than 40 kilometers into the city limits. As a result, private bus services in the city will remain disrupted on Monday, causing inconvenience to daily commuters.
According to Rupalal Thakur, head of the private bus union, a decision was taken in 2011 after the Tutikandi ISBT was built that buses covering more than 40 kilometers would operate only from there. However, HRTC continues to run large buses within the city, which is not only worsening traffic congestion but also causing financial losses to private operators.
The union also alleged that HRTC buses deployed on school duties are transporting regular passengers, further affecting private bus operators. They have also demanded rest room facilities at the old bus stand for drivers and conductors.
Meanwhile, Man Singh, president of the HRTC Drivers' Union, and Preet Mahindar, state head of the Conductors’ Union, stated that private buses also contribute to traffic jams. They assured that HRTC will operate extra buses and trips on Monday to ensure the public does not face any inconvenience.
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