Shimla: In a major relief for commuters across Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Drivers and Conductors Union has withdrawn its proposed indefinite strike following successful discussions with the state government over its pending demands.
The union had earlier announced a statewide “chakka jam” beginning midnight on Wednesday, accusing the government of failing to address key issues, including the transfer of the union president and the non-payment of overtime and night-duty allowance arrears amounting to over ₹100 crore.
The decision to call off the strike was taken after a meeting between union representatives and Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) R.D. Nazeem on Wednesday evening.
Union office-bearers said the government agreed to release ₹40–42 crore towards pending dues, prompting them to withdraw the strike. The amount includes ₹7 crore for medical reimbursement claims up to 2026, along with payments that have remained pending for more than a year.
The withdrawal of the strike has averted potential disruption to public transport services and brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on HRTC buses across the state.
