Entry Ban on Long-Distance Buses in Shimla, Private Bus Strike Suspended
Shimla will now restrict entry of large HRTC and private buses coming from distances beyond 40 kilometers into the city. This decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Transport Department on Sunday, involving HRTC officials and representatives from private bus operators and driver-conductor unions.
As per the new plan, buses from Rampur will travel via Talland and Khalini to reach ISBT, while those from Solan and Baluganj will bypass the Old Bus Stand and head directly to ISBT via Tutikandi Crossing.
The transport department has accepted three key demands of the private bus union, leading to the suspension of the strike that was scheduled to begin on Monday. However, union president Rupalal Thakur warned that if the promises are not implemented within a week, they will resume the strike.
The meeting also addressed concerns about HRTC school buses picking up general passengers. It was decided that private operators must report such incidents to HRTC before any action is taken.
This new regulation also brings into effect directives issued by the Shimla Deputy Commissioner in 2011, which had remained unimplemented due to public opposition. RTO Anil Kumar Sharma stated that the entire arrangement will be closely monitored for a week to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public.
3 Comments