Jaipur: Around 8,500 private sleeper buses are set to go off roads in Rajasthan from Friday midnight in response to the state govt’s inspection drive targeting illegal bus modifications. This action comes after two tragic bus fire incidents (Jaisalmer, Manohapur) this month that resulted in 30 fatalities.The strike poses challenges for passengers, particularly as it coincides with the village development officer recruitment exam and the onset of the wedding season marked by Devuthani Gyaras, both Sunday.In cities like Bhilwara, Pali and Kota, bus operations were stopped Friday morning, with almost 7,000 sleeper buses suspending their services. Private travel agencies have also stopped taking online bookings, and those who have already booked their tickets will get a refund, said operators.Rajendra Sharma, president of the All Rajasthan Contract Carriage Bus Operators Association, Friday said, “We are not against the action that is being taken by the transport department. We only sought time from the department to remove any illegal modification that they are noticing in the private buses. But, private bus operators are being slapped with heavy fines and challans, and buses are also being seized, which is why we have decided to go on a complete strike.“A passenger at Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp bus stand said, “I had a bus booked for Jaisalmer, but I got a message in the morning that the ticket has been cancelled. I came to the bus terminal for an alternate arrangement, but no buses are available here.”From Nov 2 midnight, the Rajasthan Bus Operators Association has also threatened a total strike, taking 20,000 private buses across all categories – AC and non-AC, sleeper and seater – off road.“If the transport department’s actions are not stopped, buses with stage carriage and contract carriage permits will also join the strike,” added Sharma.Rajasthan’s sleeper buses travel to and from Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and other states, with approximately 300,000 passengers travelling by these buses.Meanwhile, the transport department has instructed the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation to make additional arrangements in the coming days so that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Leaves have been cancelled for all RSRTC officials for the next few days, and looking at the demand, additional buses will also be arranged, said officials from RSRTC.
Sleeper buses go off roads as passengers face travel woes | Jaipur News
