HRTC deploys 1,073 buses; commuters face tough day
TNR News Network
Mandi:
The Himachal Pradesh Congress government is gearing up for a massive show of strength in Mandi on Thursday (December 11, 2025) as it marks three years in office.
Branded as the ‘Jan Sankalp Sammelan’, the event is expected to draw at least 25,000 people, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu set to present the government’s roadmap for the next two years along with its key achievements so far.
In an unprecedented mobilisation exercise, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has pressed 1,073 buses into service from 31 depots to ferry people to the rally venue at Paddal Ground.
However, the move threw regular operations off balance on Wednesday, leaving daily commuters stranded for hours. With routes clubbed and frequency reduced, passengers complained of long delays and overcrowded halts. Many were forced to take taxis or wait several hours before managing to board a bus.
Officials said the corporation will drop attendees back to their destinations after the event.
25,000 chairs, packed meals at venue
Paddal Ground has been decked up for the mega show, with 25,000 chairs arranged and an equal number of packed food packets readied for visitors.
CM Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, AICC in-charge Rajni Patil, PCC chief Vinay Kumar and other senior Congress leaders will address the gathering, highlighting welfare schemes, infrastructure initiatives and the government’s performance over the past three years.
The dais is also expected to become a political battlefield, with leaders likely to counter the opposition BJP’s criticism of the government’s handling of the state’s financial and disaster-related challenges.
Show of strength in BJP bastion Mandi
The choice of Mandi, considered a stronghold of the BJP, which holds nine of the district’s 10 Assembly seats, is being seen as a strategic move by the Congress to deliver a political message to the opposition.
The government has set targets for leaders to bring people from across the state, including beneficiaries of various schemes. Board exam toppers and selected achievers will also be felicitated at the event.
While officials estimate a crowd of around 25,000, Congress leaders claim 45,000 to 50,000 people may eventually converge at the venue, making it one of the biggest political gatherings of the year.
With the CM expected to outline plans focused on employment generation, tourism push, women empowerment and expanded welfare delivery, the ruling party is hoping to leverage the event to build momentum for the upcoming political season, said an analyst.
