The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has officially removed 77 old non-AC diesel buses from its fleet after they completed 15 years of service life, marking a major phase-out operation that began today (18 November). The discontinued vehicles have been parked at the Sector-43 Bus Stand, where several outdated buses can now be seen lined up.
To maintain smooth operations, CTU has introduced 73 new buses that will cater to routes across Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. According to the administration, local Tricity bus services will not be affected, as adequate replacements and route adjustments have already been arranged.
However, the move has sparked controversy, with allegations from staff circles claiming that around 120 drivers have been removed or relieved during this transition phase. CTU has not yet issued an official clarification on these claims.
Despite the allegations, officials maintain that the decision to retire the old fleet is part of a scheduled modernization plan to improve safety, efficiency, and comfort for passengers.
