Munish Sood
Mandi
In a major relief for pilgrims and tourists, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has resumed its direct Chandigarh–Shikari Mata bus service after a gap of nearly one year. The service, which was suspended following the 2025 disaster, will once again provide convenient access to the revered Shikari Mata Temple, located at an altitude of around 11,000 feet in Mandi district.
Operated by the Sundernagar depot, the bus departs daily at 5:00 a.m. and travels through Mandi, Baggi, Chail Chowk, Thunag and Janjehli before reaching Shikari Mata around 10:30 a.m. After a halt of approximately three hours, it begins its return journey at 1:15 p.m., eventually reaching Chandigarh late in the evening.
With the restoration of the service, residents of Sundernagar, Balh, Nachan and Seraj constituencies will once again enjoy direct connectivity to Chandigarh. Previously, passengers were often required to change multiple buses to complete the journey.
The route is expected to be particularly popular during the summer season, when Shikari Mata attracts thousands of devotees, nature lovers and adventure tourists. According to HRTC, the round-trip fare from Chandigarh to Shikari Mata has been fixed at ₹1,175, while passengers travelling from Sundernagar can complete the journey for ₹520. The service is expected to significantly reduce travel costs compared to hiring private taxis.
The route is also among the highest revenue-generating services for the Sundernagar depot, earning an estimated ₹8–10 lakh per month and around ₹80 lakh annually. During winter months, when heavy snowfall blocks access to Shikari Mata, the service operates only up to Janjehli.
Sundernagar Depot Bus Stand In-charge Kashmiri Lal said the service had remained suspended since the 2025 disaster and has now been restored for the benefit of pilgrims and tourists. He expressed confidence that the resumed service would boost religious tourism and improve transportation facilities for people across the region.
