Pithoragarh depot is keeping around 12 buses with serious defects on the road as a shortage of vehicles disrupts public transport and leaves passengers facing uncomfortable journeys. The depot’s fleet has declined from 80 buses at one time to 58, including 20 older vehicles.
Passengers report conditions such as broken glass, damaged body panels and cold air entering through gaps. In some buses, tin sheets have been used to cover spaces where windows are broken. This prevents passengers from opening the windows when necessary and adds to their discomfort during cold weather.
Ageing fleet and route disruption
Of the depot’s 20 old buses, around 8 have completed the standards required for operation in hilly areas. However, they are still not being sent to the plains, while other old buses are being kept on different routes after makeshift repairs. The situation has raised concerns about compliance with passenger safety standards.
The depot currently requires at least 20 new buses. Their arrival could allow services to resume on routes where operations have stopped and improve regularity on routes that are currently being served inconsistently. Passengers have been waiting for safer buses and more dependable services.
New buses have reportedly reached the corporation headquarters in Dehradun, and the Chief Minister has flagged them off. However, it is not yet clear when Pithoragarh depot will receive the buses or how many will be allotted to it.
The shortage has made smooth operation difficult. Some routes are not running regularly, while services on other routes have stopped completely. The lack of reliable vehicles is therefore affecting both daily passengers and people travelling between Pithoragarh and other parts of Uttarakhand.
Breakdown leaves passengers waiting at Gurna
The condition of the fleet was highlighted again when roadways bus UK 07 PA 4271, travelling from Pithoragarh to Dehradun, broke down at Gurna on Thursday. Passengers returning after celebrating the festival, along with other travellers, faced considerable inconvenience.
The breakdown left passengers waiting in cold weather on the route. After a considerable delay, another bus, UK 07 PA 4277, was sent to the location and took the passengers onward to their destinations.
R.S. Kapri, ARM of Pithoragarh depot, said the depot is likely to receive new buses this month. He said their availability would improve services on different routes and resolve several of the current problems.
Conclusion
Pithoragarh depot’s reduced fleet and ageing buses are affecting passenger comfort, safety concerns and route regularity. The expected arrival of new buses could improve operations, but the number and timing of the depot’s allocation remain uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many buses does Pithoragarh depot currently have?
The depot’s fleet has fallen from 80 buses to 58.
Q. How many old buses are in the depot’s fleet?
The depot has 20 old buses, around 12 of which are in poor condition.
Q. What problems are passengers facing?
Passengers are dealing with broken windows, damaged bodywork, cold air entering buses and delays caused by breakdowns.
Q. How many new buses does the depot need?
The depot needs at least 20 new buses.
Q. When could the depot receive new buses?
ARM R.S. Kapri said the depot is likely to receive new buses this month, but the exact allocation has not been confirmed.
