Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Nov 4,
The day-long strike call given by private mini bus operators in Shimla on Monday failed to disrupt most of normal life, as the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) ensured uninterrupted city transport with timely intervention and efficient planning.
Around 74 private mini buses, which usually ply on local routes within the city, had announced a two-day “chakka jam” to press for their demands. However, the move received little traction, as the district administration swiftly coordinated with HRTC to fill the gap. The corporation deployed additional buses across affected routes, keeping public movement seamless.
Interestingly, the strike led to smoother traffic flow than usual, with fewer vehicles on the roads reducing congestion in key city areas.
HRTC General Manager Dev Sen Negi and senior officers personally monitored ground operations throughout the day, ensuring commuters did not face any inconvenience. The public, including senior citizens and daily commuters, expressed satisfaction with the corporation’s proactive approach and the courteous behaviour of its staff.
Private operators running buses beyond 20 kilometres from the city centre did not participate in the strike, further weakening its impact.
Several citizens, including former government officials, lauded HRTC’s performance and suggested that the government consider extending its city services permanently. They noted that Monday’s operations revived public confidence in state-run transport, recalling the era when HRTC buses were synonymous with punctuality and discipline.
As the mini bus strike seems to have lost momentum, the episode has renewed discussion on strengthening government-operated public transport in Shimla to ensure reliability, efficiency, and better traffic management in the hill capital.
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