HRTC Bus Strike: HRTC Drivers-Conductors Union Declares 'Chakka Jam' From June 24 Midnight; Here's Why

Public transport services across Himachal Pradesh are bracing for severe disruptions after crucial dialogue between the state government and the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Drivers and Conductors Union collapsed on Tuesday, June 23. Following the failure to reach an agreement regarding long-pending financial dues and administrative disputes, the union officially declared a state-wide Chakka Jam (wheel-jam strike) beginning from the midnight of June 24. The unyielding stance from both sides threatens to completely halt government bus operations, affecting thousands of daily commuters and inter-state travellers.

The final round of negotiations took place at the State Secretariat, where union representatives met with the Additional Chief Secretary of Transport. Despite hours of deliberation, the talks concluded without a breakthrough as the government failed to offer a definitive timeline for clearing the corporation's staggering financial liabilities. Himachal Pradesh HC Grants Pension Benefits to ITBP Constable Forced To Have S*x With Senior’s Wife; Here’s Why.

Core Grievances and Unresolved Financial Demands

The agitation, which has been intensifying through localised "gate meetings" since June 9, centres on severe fiscal delays impacting the ground workforce. Union representatives stated that employee families have faced prolonged financial distress due to the non-payment of vital allowances. The primary demands raised by the HRTC Drivers and Conductors Union include:

• Night Overtime Payouts: Immediate release of night overtime allowances that have reportedly remained unpaid for nearly 75 months, amounting to an estimated outstanding pool of INR 150 crore across the state.
• Salary Revision Arrears: Clearing the pending arrears associated with the 2016 pay commission structure.
• Disbursal Schedules: Institutionalising a strict protocol to ensure salaries and pensions are disbursed on the first day of every month, mirroring other state government departments.
• Supplementary Claims: Settling long-delayed medical bill reimbursements and outstanding Dearness Allowance (DA) instalments.

Administrative Action Appears to Fuel Tensions

The friction between the Sukhu-led state administration and the transport employees escalated further following a recent controversial administrative transfer. The HRTC management ordered the immediate transfer of the Drivers' Union State President, Man Singh Thakur, from his station in Shimla to Chamba. While the corporation management defended the move as a routine, regular administrative realignment, union leadership strongly condemned it as an act of state retaliation designed to weaken their organisational resolve.

"The decision reflects the administration's attempt to put pressure on employees who are raising their legitimate concerns," stated Deepak Raj Sharma, State Chief Advisor of the HRTC Drivers' Union, during an employee rally. He emphasised that transfer orders or disciplinary threats would not deter the workforce from demanding their legally earned dues.

Commuter Outlook and Emergency Measures

As the midnight deadline of June 24 approaches, the state-run network of ordinary and long-distance luxury buses faces total paralysis. Because HRTC serves as the primary transport lifeline across Himachal Pradesh's mountainous terrain where rail connectivity is minimal, private operators are expected to face immense passenger overloads. In response to the union's absolute strike declaration, the Himachal Pradesh government is reportedly considering stringently enforcing emergency legal provisions to maintain public order. Himachal Pradesh Consumer Court Orders Tata Motors To Refund Palampur Resident Over Defective Harrier; Here's Why.

Authorities have indicated that the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) may be invoked across the state, which would make any continued strike participation or halting of transport duties illegal and subject to immediate detention or termination. Local district administrations have advised passengers to monitor official channels and alter travel itineraries accordingly if alternative arrangements are not finalised by Wednesday evening.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).