HP CPIM condemns Bus Fare Hike, and Privatization of Bus routes

Himachalscape bureau April 6, 2025 2 minutes read

Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet

Shimla, April 6

The CPIM Local Committee Shimla has strongly criticized the Himachal Pradesh government’s recent decisions, including hiking the minimum bus fare, increasing water and garbage charges, and privatizing government bus routes.

The party termed these moves “anti-people” and warned of protests if the decisions are not rolled back. CPIM Local Committee Secretary Jagat Ram accused the government of doubling the minimum bus fare to Rs 10 to benefit private operators.

“Private bus operators were demanding Rs 10 as minimum fare, and the government has bowed to their pressure, putting a heavy financial burden on the public,” he said. He pointed out that daily commuters who earlier paid Rs 300 per month will now have to spend Rs 600, making travel unaffordable amid rising inflation.

The CPIM also criticized the government for imposing “the highest bus fares in India.” “Fares are charged at Rs 1.40 per kilometer in plains and Rs 2.19 in hilly areas, making Himachal’s bus travel the most expensive,” Ram said. He dismissed the government’s claim of running a “government of happiness,” calling it instead a “government that makes people unhappy.”

The party condemned the 10% increase in water and garbage bills in Shimla from April 1. “Instead of controlling inflation, the government is fueling it,” Ram said, demanding an immediate rollback of the hike.

The CPIM also opposed the government’s decision to privatize 1,000 HRTC bus routes, calling it a “conspiracy to fully privatize the state transport corporation.” Ram reminded that a similar fare hike in 2012 was rolled back after massive protests. “If the government does not withdraw these anti-people decisions, we will launch a strong agitation in Shimla,” he warned.

The CPIM has demanded an immediate reversal of all three decisions, failing which it has threatened to mobilize public protests.

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