Borders calm, Buses roll again: HRTC restores day services after easing tensions

Shimla, May 12,
A wave of relief has swept through North India’s border regions as public transport gradually resumes following days of uncertainty. With the ceasefire between India and Pakistan holding strong, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has restored day-time services to several border-linked destinations, signaling a cautious yet hopeful return to normalcy.

Suspended since May 7–8 due to rising tensions near the international border and the Line of Control, HRTC had temporarily halted operations on critical routes including Jammu, Katra, Pathankot, and Chandigarh. On Sunday, the corporation resumed its day services to these destinations, re-establishing much-needed road connectivity for both residents and travelers.

Dr. Nipun Jindal, Managing Director of HRTC, confirmed the move. “We’ve restarted all previously suspended routes, including services to Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jammu. Night operations remain under review and will be resumed based on demand and security advisories,” he stated.

Demonstrating its commitment during the crisis, HRTC had earlier facilitated the safe return of 103 students who were stranded in Jammu and Kashmir, using a special bus service arranged under emergency protocols.

Tourism services, too, are bouncing back. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has relaunched its premium Volvo fleet, which caters to tourists from across India and abroad. This has come as a welcome move for the tourism sector, which had witnessed a short-lived dip amid rising border tensions.

The return of weekend travelers to hill stations in Himachal Pradesh—boosted by mild weather and restored transportation—is being viewed as a promising sign for the hospitality industry. However, the state transport department has advised passengers to opt for day travel until security conditions are further stabilized.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.