Rollback fares or Face Statewide stir: CPI(M) warns HP Govt
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, May 25,
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Committee in Himachal Pradesh is escalating its protest against the state government’s bus fare hike, vowing to make it a statewide movement. The party asserts that the recent fare increases are unjustifiable and will further burden the public, who are already struggling under the government’s anti-people, neoliberal policies. The agitation will continue until the government completely rolls back all bus fare increases.
The CPI(M) highlights that the minimum bus fare was initially doubled from Rs 5 to Rs 10, followed by an additional 15% increase. This has made bus travel in Himachal Pradesh more expensive than in neighboring states, placing an additional financial strain on residents who rely heavily on buses due to the lack of rail transport. Furthermore, school bus pass rates have seen a drastic increase, almost tripling in the last seven months. Previously, rates were Rs 600 per month for 0-5 km, Rs 900 for 6-12 km, and Rs 1000 for over 12 km. These were then increased to Rs 1800 for 0-5 km and Rs 2500 for over 5 km. Although the government, following protests from the CPI(M) and parents, announced a slight reduction to Rs 1200 for 0-6 km, Rs 1800 for 6-12 km, and Rs 2000 for over 12 km, the party notes that this still represents an almost 100% increase. The CPI(M) argues that this hike is indefensible, especially when a regular bus fare amounts to Rs 20-Rs 40 per day, while school bus fares now range from Rs 72-Rs 121 per day.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also serves as the Transport Minister, attributes the losses of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to low bus fares and justifies the hike as a means to alleviate these losses. However, the CPI(M) refutes this, stating that the HRTC now operates on only around 2500 routes, while the government has allotted over 8300 private bus routes. The party accuses the government of deliberately weakening the HRTC by handing over profitable routes to private operators. Additionally, the government has failed to procure new buses or recruit drivers and conductors for the HRTC, leading to irregular services even on existing routes. The CPI(M) opposes the government’s push for HRTC’s privatization, advocating instead for its strengthening.
The party also points out that numerous private companies are operating around 800-1000 Volvo buses daily at lower fares to major tourist destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, with many allegedly not paying proper taxes. The CPI(M) demands that the government investigate who is enabling these companies to operate without permits and proper taxation. Instead of burdening the public with increased bus fares, the government should focus on recovering taxes from these illegally operating bus companies.
The CPI(M) demands an immediate rollback of the minimum fare to Rs 5, the withdrawal of the 15% bus fare hike, and a return to the previous school bus fare structure of Rs 900, Rs 1200, and Rs 1500 per month. They also demand the withdrawal of the increased luggage charges on buses. Sanjay Chauhan, State Secretary of the CPI(M) Himachal Pradesh, warned that if the government fails to meet these demands immediately, the party will mobilize the public and continue its agitation.
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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.
