Shimla, Jan 17,
After multiple of complaints, and judicial scrutiny, patients and attendants travelling to the Atal Institute of Super Speciality, Chamyana, have finally received long-awaited relief, with the State administration formally regulating taxi fares on the route.
The Himachal Pradesh government has approved a fixed fare of Rs 57 for HRTC taxi services between Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and the Chamyana super speciality hospital, a move aimed at curbing rampant overcharging by private cab operators.
The decision follows sustained public pressure and repeated allegations that patients—mostly critically ill—and their families were being forced to pay arbitrary fares ranging up to Rs 120 per trip, turning access to healthcare into an added financial burden.
The issue was also prominently raised by Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) State Secretary Vijender Mehra, who accused private taxi operators of exploiting the absence of regulated public transport services on the crucial hospital route. He argued that lacking oversight had created a monopoly-like situation, leaving patients with no alternative but to pay high rates.
Taking cognisance of the complaints, the government has now notified the revised fare and made it clear that charging beyond the approved amount will invite strict action. Officials warned that violations will not be tolerated and enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure compliance.
Significantly, the matter had also reached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which recently came down heavily on the State government and district administration for failing to deploy adequate public transport to the super speciality hospital. The court observed that the absence of sufficient bus services and government-regulated taxis had enabled private operators to exploit helpless patients and attendants.
The High Court noted that despite Chamyana hospital catering to patients from across Himachal Pradesh, regular HRTC bus services and taxi operations were not introduced for an unreasonably long period, raising questions about administrative intent and efficiency.
Sources within the administration indicate that the deployment of HRTC buses and taxis to the hospital was delayed due to pressure from certain cabinet-level functionaries, a factor that further aggravated the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, citizen groups and patient welfare organisations have cautioned that any continued overcharging or lax enforcement will trigger public agitation. They have demanded not only strict implementation of the revised fare but also adequate frequency of buses and government taxis to ensure that access to essential healthcare is not dictated by private profiteering.
For many patients and families, the fare regulation marks a small but critical correction—one that underscores how administrative neglect can quietly translate into daily hardship, until accountability is finally enforced.
About the Author
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.
