Long-Route Services From HRTC Kullu Resume After 1 Month

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has resumed its long-route bus services from Patlikul, located 20 km from HRTC Kullu depot, following a month-long hiatus.

After nearly a month-long hiatus, long-route bus services have resumed from the HRTC Kullu Depot.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has resumed bus services on 10 long routes from Patlikul, located 20 km from Manali.

Initially, operations for 16 long routes from the HRTC Kullu depot were redirected through Mandi. But services had to be suspended soon because of severe floods on July 9, that caused extensive damage to roads connecting Kullu and Manali.

This disruption led to inconvenience for passengers on long routes from the HRTC Kullu depot, who had to resort to taxis to reach Mandi.

While bus services on long routes restarted from the HRTC Kullu depot in mid-July, Volvo bus services resumed only on July 27.

Yet, they remained sporadic due to frequent road blockages. Unfortunately, they were halted again on August 11 due to a major landslide at Pandoh.

With the partial resumption of traffic between Kullu and Mandi, HRTC has now initiated long-route buses from Patlikul.

However, HRTC Kullu to Delhi and Chandigarh luxury buses are yet to commence operations.

Another development is that electric buses will operate between Patlikul and Manali to facilitate passengers. Currently, one-way traffic is permitted on the NH in Pandoh.

This development is a boon for tourists traveling from different states, offering them convenient access to Kullu-Manali through HRTC buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and other regions.

The residents of Kullu will also benefit greatly from this resumption of services.

Devender Kumar Narang, the Regional Manager of HRTC in Kullu, assured that efforts are underway to enhance passenger facilities. He mentioned that once road restoration is complete, bus operations from Manali to long routes will recommence.

It also has to be noted that in light of the G-20 conference in Delhi, HRTC buses bound for the capital will only go up to Mukarba Chowk from tomorrow until September 10. Passengers are advised to plan their travel arrangements for Delhi accordingly.