MLA Anuradha Rana Announces Resumption of Bus Service
MLA Anuradha Rana announces via Facebook post resumption of Delhi-Leh bus service
Munish Sood
MANDI: Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has announced on Facebook that the highly anticipated Delhi-Leh bus service operated by Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will resume on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
She expressed her congratulations to the residents of Lahaul-Spiti, noting that the necessary route permit has been granted, allowing for the restoration of this crucial transport link.
Rana emphasized her ongoing communication with senior officials in the Transport Department, stating that she had been diligently following up on this issue. “This route is not only strategically important but also holds emotional value for our community. I’m pleased to announce that after completing all formalities, the bus will commence operations from Delhi on June 12,” her post stated.
Reasons Behind the Delay
Although the Leh-Manali highway opened earlier in May, the bus service had remained suspended until now. This delay was due to a directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which resulted in the cancellation of all existing bus route permits in the state. The court mandated the state government to revise and reissue permits to enhance transparency and uniformity in operations.
Consequently, several key routes, including the prominent Delhi-Leh service, were awaiting approval. The Transport Department has begun issuing new permits in phases, with the Delhi-Leh route being one of the latest to be reinstated.
A Lifeline for Locals and Tourists
The Delhi-Leh bus service serves as more than just a travel option; it is a lifeline for many residents of Lahaul, Zanskar, and Ladakh. Additionally, with summer tourism in full swing, this route offers an affordable and scenic travel alternative for adventure enthusiasts and backpackers.
With the service now operational, travelers will no longer have to rely on Manali or Chandigarh for transit to Leh. Instead, they can enjoy a direct, cost-effective, and reliable travel option through HRTC.
Timings and Route Information
Onward journey (Delhi to Leh):
• Departure from Delhi ISBT: 12.10 pm
• Chandigarh Sector 43: 6.10 pm
• Manali: 2.30 am
• Keylong: 5 am
• Arrival in Leh: 8 pm (next day)
Return journey (Leh to Delhi):
• Keylong: 6.30 pm
• Manali: 9 pm
• Chandigarh Sector 17: 3.30 am
• Arrival at Delhi ISBT: 8.30 am
The total distance covered is approximately 981 km, crossing six major Himalayan passes, including some of the highest motorable points globally.
One of the Highest Bus Routes in the World
The bus traverses a challenging yet breathtaking route:
Delhi to Chandigarh to Mandi to Kullu to Manali to Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) to Keylong to Zingzingbar to Baralacha La to Sarchu to Nakee La to Lachulung La to Pang to Tanglang La to Upshi to Karu to Leh.
The mountain passes include:
• Baralacha La (4,890 m)
• Nakee La (4,739 m)
• Lachulung La (5,059 m)
• Tanglang La (5,328 m)
With no overnight stop at Keylong this time, the bus completes the entire journey in approximately 30 to 32 hours. The fare is set at ₹1,850, making it a budget-friendly option compared to private travel arrangements.
Previous Season Revenue Records
Last year, this seasonal service operated for 95 days from June 15 to September 15, generating a revenue of ₹1.25 crore, according to officials at HRTC’s Keylong depot. However, the route typically closes by mid-September due to snowfall in the higher passes.
