The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation is preparing additional operations on the busy Kumaon–Delhi route for the Diwali travel rush. Nearly 100 buses from Kumaon are planned to make 2 trips to Delhi each day so passengers can reach their destinations during the festive period.
The plan follows the removal of BS-4 buses from the Delhi route. Services from the Haldwani, Kathgodam, Rudrapur and Kashipur depots have been affected, with the corporation facing pressure to manage higher demand without an immediate replacement fleet.
According to the available transport figures, around 720 passengers travelled on the affected buses each day during the festive season. Their removal has been associated with a daily revenue loss of about 3.24 lakh. The lack of an alternative arrangement to replace these buses has added to operational concerns.
Passenger demand expected to double
During the off-season, between 700 and 1,000 passengers travel from Haldwani bus station to Delhi each day. The corporation’s figures indicate that demand doubles during the wedding and festival seasons, taking daily passenger numbers to 1,500–2,000.
Officials have said the Delhi route has not been affected more severely than last year. However, the reduction in BS-4 buses could create difficulties during Diwali, when demand is expected to remain significantly above normal levels.
Contracted CNG buses are being operated on the Delhi route to support passenger movement. Kranti Singh, general manager of operations headquarters, said these buses would carry passengers to their destinations during the festival. The corporation is also preparing to add 59 new buses to its fleet soon.
Depot-wise bus position
The information available gives different overall figures for the number of buses removed. The main account refers to 18 buses, another line mentions more than 20, while the depot breakdown lists the following BS-4 and operating figures:
| Depot | BS-4 buses removed | Buses in operation |
|---|---|---|
| Kathgodam | 06 | 15 |
| Haldwani | 03 | 23 |
| Kashipur | 05 | 11 |
| Rudrapur | 05 | 12 |
The depot figures add up to 19 removed buses through 06 + 03 + 05 + 05. Together, the 4 depots have 61 buses available for services to Delhi, according to the published breakdown. The differing totals should be clarified by the corporation before the festive schedule is assessed.
Volvo breakdown adds to passenger concerns
A separate disruption affected a Haldwani depot Volvo service returning from Delhi on Sunday night. The bus broke down near Hapur, leaving 25 passengers facing delays and prompting complaints about the corporation’s service management.
The passengers were sent onward through alternative arrangements. Assistant regional manager Sanjay Pandey said 5 passengers had booked tickets on the service and had been informed in advance that it would be cancelled. Their ticket money will be refunded, he said.
The breakdown comes as the corporation prepares for heavier movement on the Delhi route. The planned use of contracted CNG buses, additional trips and 59 proposed new buses are intended to help maintain services during the festival period.
Conclusion
The corporation plans to meet the Diwali rush by doubling daily trips for nearly 100 Kumaon buses, using contracted CNG services and preparing 59 new buses, while the exact number of removed BS-4 buses remains inconsistent in the available figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many Kumaon buses are planned to make 2 trips to Delhi each day?
Nearly 100 buses are planned to make 2 daily trips to Delhi during the festive season.
Q. Which depots are connected with the affected Delhi services?
The affected services involve the Haldwani, Kathgodam, Rudrapur and Kashipur depots.
Q. How many passengers travel from Haldwani to Delhi during the off-season?
The daily average is between 700 and 1,000 passengers during the off-season.
Q. How many passengers are expected during the festival and wedding seasons?
Daily passenger numbers are expected to rise to between 1,500 and 2,000.
Q. What alternative buses are being used on the Delhi route?
Contracted CNG buses are being operated on the route.
Q. How many new buses is the corporation preparing to add?
The corporation is preparing to add 59 new buses to its fleet.
Q. What happened to the Haldwani depot Volvo service?
The Volvo bus broke down near Hapur while returning from Delhi on Sunday night, affecting 25 passengers.
Q. What will happen to passengers who booked tickets on the cancelled Volvo service?
The 5 passengers who had booked tickets were informed in advance, and their ticket money will be refunded.
