106 private bus operators in Shimla go on indefinite strike; harrowing time for commuters

Private bus operators parked their buses along the roadside near the office of the Department of Transport and raised slogans in support of their demands.

The operators, who met senior State Transport officials, said that although the officers assured them that long-route HRTC buses would be gradually phased out from entering the Old ISBT, they insisted on a specific timeframe for implementing the decision. The strike was held under the banner of Shimla City Private Bus Operators’ Union (SCPBOU).

With bus services suspended, commuters were forced to use their personal vehicles to reach their destinations. (Express Photo)

Sunil Chauhan, General Secretary, SCPBOU, said, “We, the private bus drivers, are not allowed to enter the Old ISBT to pick up passengers. Drivers of long-route HRTC buses deliberately stop ahead of private buses, causing traffic jams and chaos. The new ISBT at Tutikandi, on the outskirts of Shimla, was constructed to ease traffic congestion in the city. At that time, it was announced that no long-route bus would enter Shimla city and that passengers would be picked up and dropped off only at the New ISBT Tutikandi.”

Chauhan further said, “We deposit nearly Rs 25 lakh as fees to the state government every year. Despite this, the government has failed to safeguard our interests.”

A senior HRTC officer said, “The Corporation has operated 70 additional buses to ensure commuter convenience in view of the private bus operators’ strike. Their demands are under consideration. However, there have been several complaints regarding the misbehaviour of private bus drivers and conductors with passengers. A meeting with private bus operators took place today. We assured them that we will consider their demands. Now it’s up to them to call off the strike.”

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