Himachal Pradesh Reduces Bus Services Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Himachal Pradesh Takes Precautionary Measures

Shimla: In response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has made the decision to significantly cut back on bus services to Jammu, Amritsar, and other sensitive border regions in Punjab.

Officials from HRTC have also suggested that if the situation worsens, night bus services on these routes could be completely halted.

Limited Daytime Services; Night Operations Under Review

The management of HRTC has confirmed that only a limited number of buses will operate during the day on routes connecting Himachal Pradesh with border cities such as Amritsar, Jammu, Katra, and Pathankot.

“The safety of our passengers is our utmost concern. We are actively monitoring the situation and will make further decisions based on assessments from the ground and directives from authorities,” stated Nipun Jindal, Managing Director of HRTC.

Travelers are encouraged to verify the status of their routes in advance through the HRTC website or helpline before making travel plans. The corporation has stressed that bus operations will be contingent on local law and order regulations set by district administrations.

Decrease in Passenger Numbers; Temporary Route Suspensions

Amid increased border security measures, HRTC has noted a significant drop in passenger traffic on routes heading towards the northern borders. Consequently, several services have been modified or suspended: the Rampur-Jammu route has been shortened to Jasur in the Kangra district.

From Hamirpur, ten routes to Amritsar and Jalandhar, along with two routes to Jammu, have been temporarily closed. Additionally, the bus service to Katra has been halted near Jasur.

Operational Changes Across Himachal Pradesh

HRTC officials have reiterated that these adjustments are temporary and may change as the security situation evolves.

They have urged passengers to remain calm and to rely solely on verified information from official sources. As the region stays vigilant, these transportation modifications are part of broader precautionary measures being implemented across the state to ensure public safety and maintain order.