Private Bus Operators Demand Shutdown of Controversial Facebook Page in Himachal Pradesh

A dispute has emerged in Himachal Pradesh as private bus operators demand the closure of a Facebook page, 'HRTC Keylong', which they allege spreads misleading content about their services. The operators claim the page, run by an HRTC driver, is creating distrust among passengers and escalating tensions with state-run transport staff. They have raised concerns over a viral video that they believe was staged to defame their operations. With calls for an investigation and potential legal action, this controversy highlights the ongoing friction between private and state-run transport services in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:32 IST

Controversy Erupts Over Facebook Page

Munish Sood
Mandi

A new dispute has arisen between private bus operators and the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) as the former have called for the immediate closure of a Facebook page named 'HRTC Keylong'. They allege that this page is disseminating misleading videos and messages that target private bus services.

During a press conference held in Mandi, representatives from various private bus companies expressed their concerns that the page is fostering distrust among passengers and escalating tensions between HRTC personnel and private transport providers.

Operators Claim Page Lacks Authorization

Pankaj Mahajan, who operates Kanika Bus Service, along with Chaman Lal from Anjali Bus Service and Dola Ram from Anuj Bus Service, asserted that the 'HRTC Keylong' page is not an official platform of the state-run transport authority.

They claim that the page is allegedly managed by Lalit Rajput, a driver for HRTC residing in the Gohar area, who lacks any official permission from the state government or HRTC to run such a page.

Despite these claims, the operators contend that the page continues to share content that portrays private bus services unfavorably.

Concerns Over Viral Content

The operators also voiced their objections to a recent video shared on the page, which allegedly depicts a private bus ignoring passengers waiting to board. They argue that the video was staged to damage their reputation.

According to them, a small child was intentionally positioned by the roadside to signal a bus, allowing for footage that shows the bus not stopping. They clarified that the bus was actually operating outside its designated Mandi route at that time.

They believe such misleading content is aimed at harming the image of private bus operators in the area.

Escalating Tensions

Private bus operators cautioned that the spread of such videos and posts is unnecessarily heightening tensions between HRTC staff and private operators.

They remarked, 'The situation is being turned into something akin to an India-Pakistan confrontation between HRTC and private bus operators,' urging authorities to step in before matters worsen.

Call for Investigation and Action

The operators have requested that the Regional Manager (RM) and Divisional Manager (DM) of HRTC in Mandi conduct an investigation into the issue and take necessary actions.

They noted that complaints regarding this matter have been submitted to the RM and DM multiple times, yet no action has been taken.

Operators suspect that a powerful individual at the Secretariat level may be attempting to protect the person behind the page.

Legal Action Warning

Private bus operators have indicated that if authorities do not respond promptly, they will be forced to issue a legal notice to the RM and DM of HRTC demanding action.

This situation has once again brought to light the increasing friction between state-run transport services and private bus operators in Himachal Pradesh, particularly concerning allegations of unfair practices and battles over public perception on social media.