Shimla, Oct 31,
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has introduced a special plan for bus services to manage the rush of passengers traveling home for Diwali. This arrangement is aimed at ensuring smooth transportation for commuters from major destinations, including Shimla, Delhi, Chandigarh, and other inter-state routes, while also allowing HRTC staff to join their families during the festive season.
According to HRTC General Manager Pankaj Singla, the plan includes deploying 40 additional buses on Thursday to accommodate the increased passenger demand. Local buses will run on an advanced schedule on October 31, with the last service departing at 5 PM. After this time, local bus services will halt, allowing HRTC employees to make their way home for the festival. Long-route buses will also operate in a modified manner, with routes to popular destinations like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haridwar clubbed to optimize fleet usage.
In preparation for the Diwali rush, HRTC deployed 119 additional buses on Tuesday and 140 on Wednesday. Divisional Manager Devsen Negi noted that 30 buses will be added on a demand basis from key locations, including Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi. HRTC has arranged for at least one night service to continue on the routes to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haridwar on both October 31 and November 1 to meet critical commuter needs.
On Friday, November 1, normal HRTC services will resume starting from 10 AM, allowing staff to spend Diwali with their families and ensuring timely transportation for passengers returning after the celebrations. Typically, HRTC serves around three lakh passengers daily, providing a critical transportation lifeline, especially in the hill regions where other options are limited.
This Diwali service adjustment by HRTC is designed not only to manage the heavy passenger traffic but also to balance the personal needs of HRTC staff, reflecting the corporation’s commitment to public service and employee welfare.
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