HRTC Prepares Contingency Plan as Drivers, Conductors Unions Call Strike from June 25.
Shimla:
The management of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has intensified efforts to maintain uninterrupted public transport services across Himachal Pradesh amid a proposed strike call by the Drivers and Conductors Unions from June 25 over pending employee dues.
According to official sources, HRTC management has been engaged in continuous dialogue with employee unions and has made consistent efforts to address their concerns through constructive discussions. However, despite these efforts, the unions have announced that they will proceed with the strike if their demands are not fulfilled.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, a meeting was convened on June 23 by the Administrative Department under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport), Government of Himachal Pradesh. During the meeting, union representatives raised objections regarding the transfer of a driver and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Officials stated that despite repeated requests to discuss the issues outlined in the strike notice, union representatives remained firm on the transfer issue and eventually walked out of the meeting without participating in further discussions.
Amid the looming strike, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared HRTC services as an Essential Service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) through a notification issued on June 23, 2026. Under the provisions of ESMA, participation in strikes and related activities is prohibited, and violations may attract strict legal action.
The state government has also pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in its order dated June 13, 2016, in CWP No. 1511/2016, had already ruled such strikes by HRTC employees to be illegal.
To ensure that public transportation remains operational and inconvenience to commuters is minimized, HRTC has put in place a comprehensive contingency plan. The corporation has announced the temporary engagement of drivers on a day-to-day basis at a fixed remuneration. A walk-in selection process will be conducted on June 24 at 12 noon in all Regional Manager (RM) offices across the state.
Eligible candidates possessing a valid HTV or HMV driving licence, a minimum of three years’ experience in driving heavy or transport vehicles, and at least a matriculation qualification have been invited to participate in the recruitment process with relevant documents. Approximately 656 temporary drivers are proposed to be engaged across 31 HRTC depots and units.
In addition, the corporation is making arrangements to deploy manpower through the Himachal Home Guards to assist in conducting bus operations during the proposed strike period. Law enforcement agencies have also been requested to maintain law and order across the state and ensure smooth transport services.
HRTC management has once again appealed to union leaders to reconsider their decision and withdraw the proposed strike in the larger public interest. Officials said that union representatives have been informed about the legal provisions under ESMA and the judicial rulings governing such industrial actions.
Authorities stated that the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure that public transport services continue without disruption, particularly in remote and rural areas that heavily depend on HRTC buses for daily connectivity.
