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

The private bus operators are demanding a ban on the entry and exit of long-route Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses at the Old ISBT bus stop located in the heart of Shimla.

Written by Saurabh Parashar

November 3, 2025 02:54 PM IST

3 min read

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. (Express Photo)

Shimla, November 3: Commuters in Shimla faced severe inconvenience on Monday as operators of 106 private buses in the city went on an indefinite strike over a host of demands, including a ban on the entry and exit of long-route Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses at the Old ISBT bus stop located in the heart of the city.

With bus services suspended, commuters – including school and college students and government employees – were forced to use their personal vehicles to reach their destinations.

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.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:

bus strike Shimla