The Newz Radar Network
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has announced plans to alter the operational schedule of its bus service from Awahdevi in Hamirpur to Ayodhya, which has been running at a loss since its launch. Initially expected to be profitable, the service has struggled with insufficient passengers, prompting the HRTC to consider reducing its frequency to once a week.
Launched on March 7, the service was introduced to cater to the high demand following the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ programme at Ram Mandir. However, the number of passengers has significantly dwindled since then. HRTC MD Rohan Chand Thakur confirmed that despite the initial anticipation, the service had not been financially viable. “The bus service to Ayodhya is not benefiting us and running this longest route daily is unsustainable,” Thakur stated.
In response to the continuous losses, the HRTC plans to operate the bus only once a week to minimise financial strain. A fixed day will be scheduled for the service, ensuring that the HRTC does not incur significant losses. The corporation has already prepared a proposal for this change, though it awaits final approval.
The bus, part of HRTC’s new BS-6 series fleet, was initially driven from Hamirpur to Ayodhya with the expectation of high ridership. However, the daily service could not attract enough passengers to justify its cost. Plans to expand the service from other locations like Shimla, Una, Nalagarh, Manali and Dharamshala were also considered, but never implemented.
As part of broader efforts to manage losses, the HRTC is reviewing other unprofitable routes. Applications have been taken for 108 routes and an additional 258 routes are expected to be notified pending government approval.
