Villagers Demand Bus Service on Mandar Route, Threaten Protest Over Administration’s Neglect
Residents of Baldeya and Manju Dabri Panchayat plead for urgent action after repeated appeals fall on deaf ears.
Frustrated by the lack of public transport, villagers from Baldeya and Manju Dabri Panchayat have issued a stern appeal to the local administration: Start bus services on the Mandar route immediately, or face protests.
For months, the villagers have struggled with poor connectivity, forcing them to rely on irregular and overcrowded transport options. A proposed bus route via Basantpur could significantly ease their daily commute, benefiting students, workers, and the elderly alike. However, despite multiple petitions to the Transport Department and even discussions with the Panchayati Raj Minister, no action has been taken.
“We’ve Been Ignored at Every Step”
The villagers claim their concerns have been repeatedly dismissed. A formal resolution passed by the Panchayat was submitted to authorities, but no response was received.
“We’ve pleaded with officials, met the Minister, and followed every procedure—yet nothing has changed,” said Nek Chand Sharma, one of the representatives. “If buses aren’t introduced soon, we’ll have no choice but to protest on the streets. How long must we wait for basic facilities?”
Final Appeal Before Escalation
In a last-ditch effort, the villagers have resubmitted their Panchayat resolution online, urging the administration to review their demand and coordinate with the Area Inspector.
“We don’t want to block roads, but the administration is leaving us with no option,” added Rupendra Lal Sharma, another community leader. “All we’re asking for is a reliable bus service—is that too much to ask?”
The letter to the Divisional Transport Manager singled by Nek Chand Sharma, Roop Chand Sharma, Deena Ram Verma, Rupendra Lal Sharma, Rita Devi, Shanti Devi, Kamakshi Sharma, Padam Dev Sharma, and fellow villagers states that:
” No bus of the corporation is running on the Baldeyan via Mandar Basantpur route during the day, due to which the people of Gram Panchayat Baldeyan, Manju-Dabri and Gram Panchayat Basantpur are facing huge difficulties. And during the day, the general public has to walk on this route to reach their destination. Therefore, the public of all the three Gram Panchayats has demanded that the buses of Himachal Path Parivahan Nigam should run via Mandar instead of Devidhar. It is very important to bring to the notice of the Corporation Manager that the buses whose movement is being demanded to be done via Mandar are running at zero income via Devidhar, a distance of 20 km from the stop area, whereas by making their route via Mandar, along with the convenience available to the general public of the three Panchayats, the income of the corporation will also increase considerably.
The details of the buses which are to run via Mandar are as follows-
1) 9:30am Deora. Premnagar (Rampur area) from Baldeyan via Mandar Basantpur
2) 11:30am – Kyalu Shimla (rural area) from Basantpur via Mandar Shimla
3) 4:15pm – Shimla. Sharda Nallah (rural area) from Baldeyan via Mandar Nallah
4) Shakra Talai bus in the morning from Basantpur via Mandar Shimla and in the evening from Baldeyan via Mandar Basantpur
Students, farmers and other people of the said Panchayat will benefit from the running of the said buses. The income of the corporation will also increase. Hence, it is requested to you to oblige the public by providing the facility of the said bus services”
Efficient public transport is crucial for rural development. If the administration continues to ignore such demands, it not only inconveniences daily commuters but also risks wider public unrest.
Will the authorities act before the situation escalates? The villagers are waiting—and watching.
