SHIMLA, NOVEMBER 3: MUCH-TOUTED strike by private bus operators in Shimla on Monday turned out to be a complete flop show, as the city ran smoother than usual on the sheer strength of HRTC’s disciplined fleet.
Private operators, who had suspended services demanding a 40-km no-go zone for HRTC buses, were left red-faced when commuters overwhelmingly backed the state-run corporation instead of their unreasonable demand.
Their wish—an effective monopoly to run break-neck services, overload passengers like gunny bags, and shout down anyone who objects—found zero takers on the ground.
Not a single major disruption was reported across the capital.
HRTC drivers and conductors earned a loud, collective pat on the back from citizens for ensuring hassle-free, reliable, and respectful travel throughout the day.
Many residents said the service felt “more peaceful” without the aggressive private operators on the road.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the transport portfolio, received rare praise as he quickly roped in additional HRTC buses to meet peak-hour rush, ensuring that the strike didn’t pinch public mobility for even a minute.
Yes, buses were crowded during office hours—as they normally are—but commuters still preferred that over the chaos and daily bullying they face from private operators.
Several city residents even voiced a new demand: “Run 40 more e-buses and pack off these greedy operators for good.”
Meanwhile, HRTC employee unions and trade unions have urged the state government to stand firm and not bow to what they called the illegal, unreasonable and monopolistic demands of private operators.
For today at least, the message from Shimla was crystal clear: the city trusts HRTC—and not the rogue private bus lobby—to keep it moving.
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