Ageing buses operated by the Haridwar depot of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation are breaking down on long-distance routes to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, causing difficulties for passengers during their journeys.
The problems are linked to the increasing age of vehicles in the depot fleet. Buses are facing repeated technical faults, and some have had to stop on the road before being taken to a workshop for repairs.
Fleet size has fallen
The depot currently has about 90 buses, compared with around 110 earlier. Some vehicles have been auctioned, while others are no longer in service. The buses still available for operations have also become old.
Pushkar bus remains in workshop
A Roadways bus operating from Haridwar to Pushkar in Rajasthan has reportedly been standing in the workshop for the past 15 days because of a technical fault. Several other buses assigned to long routes in Uttar Pradesh are facing similar problems.
The faults include issues involving engines, clutches and other technical components. In some cases, buses have been stopped during the journey; in others, vehicles have reached the workshop after breaking down.
The repeated failures are affecting passengers who depend on long-distance Roadways services. A breakdown during a route can interrupt travel and leave passengers facing uncertainty before the service is restored.
New buses expected
The depot is expected to receive new buses soon. Once they arrive, operations on all routes are expected to resume.
Until then, the depot is continuing to operate its available fleet despite the shortage of buses and the technical problems affecting several older vehicles.
Conclusion
The Haridwar depot is dealing with an ageing and reduced fleet, while breakdowns on long Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh routes are creating difficulties for passengers. The next operational change is expected after new buses are received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are Haridwar Roadways buses breaking down?
The older buses are developing technical faults, including problems with engines, clutches and other components.
Q. Which routes are affected?
Long-distance routes to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are facing the reported problems.
Q. How many buses does the Haridwar depot have?
The depot currently has about 90 buses. It previously had around 110.
Q. What happened to the Pushkar route bus?
A bus serving the Haridwar–Pushkar route has reportedly remained in the workshop for the past 15 days because of a technical fault.
Q. Why is the fleet under pressure?
Some buses have been auctioned and others have gone out of service, leaving fewer vehicles for operations.
Q. When are new buses expected?
New buses are expected to be provided soon, after which services on all routes are expected to resume.
Q. How are passengers affected?
Breakdowns during long journeys can interrupt travel and cause difficulties for passengers.
