Passengers travelling to Chandigarh faced unexpected disruptions in their journeys as the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) and PUNBUS diverted approximately 400 buses, originally scheduled for Chandigarh, to the Phase 6 bus stand in Mohali. This left travellers bound for Chandigarh scrambling to arrange alternative transportation to reach the Union Territory.
This move follows disputes over bus timetables and grievances related to the kilometer agreement between the Chandigarh administration, Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU), and the bus operators. The unions claim that the CTU has not renewed the kilometer agreement beyond 1000 kilometers, leading to buses being operated over longer distances without adequate compensation.
Around 20 passengers attempting to board a bus from Chandigarh reached out to The Daily Guardian, expressing their frustration. They highlighted that these unannounced changes leave the common man in a lurch every time.
The decision by the PRTC and PUNBUS Contract Workers Union, Punjab, to halt services to Chandigarh affects a total of 72 long routes connecting Chandigarh with various parts of Punjab. Chandigarh’s local transportation, comprising 500 buses operating within the tricity and suburban areas, also plays a vital role in the region’s public transportation network.
The unions declared that buses would no longer enter Chandigarh, whether transporting passengers from Punjab to Chandigarh or vice versa, and will now be redirected to Mohali.
Furthermore, worker unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the increased fees at ISBT-43 Bus Stand and allege arbitrary actions by the CTU regarding bus timetables.
As a result of this joint decision, passengers travelling between Chandigarh and Punjab face inconvenience. Those departing from Chandigarh now have to travel to Mohali to catch buses, while arrivals from Punjab must arrange alternative transportation, such as auto-rickshaws or other buses, to reach Chandigarh from Mohali.