If roads are the lifelines of Himachal Pradesh, then HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses are the blood that flows ceaselessly through these arteries.

 The importance and public service provided by HRTC remain as relevant today as ever.

For the poor and needy, this bus service has been a lifeline like no other.

I still remember the joy on passengers' faces as they boarded the bus and the sense of security they felt upon reaching their destinations safely.

The drivers and conductors of HRTC buses were always brave and punctual.

No matter how bad the roads were or what storms they faced, they would risk their lives to ensure the bus reached on time.

I recall how our daily routines revolved around the bus schedules, and for many, the start and end of the day were dictated by the sound of the bus engine.

I have countless unforgettable memories of traveling on these buses.

As a child, I would track buses based on their region nameplates, and I always thought the buses from Tapri were the fastest.

Whether it was a moment of joy or sorrow, the bus was the means by which we reached our loved ones.

My college days were made easier with affordable "bus passes," taking me daily from Jubbal to Sawra (Sarahan), and later to the university, and even to IAS Academy in Mussoorie—always on an HRTC bus.

These experiences made HRTC a part of my heart.

Traveling by HRTC also taught me valuable life lessons.

Despite the diversity and competition, passengers shared a quiet sense of respect and tolerance for one another.

The bus, moving alongside the river, showed me that life, like the river, flows forward with no room for stagnation.

In the constant struggle for a seat, and then a window seat, I learned that desires are endless, but contentment is the foundation of life.

Now, driving my own car, I often miss those college bus rides, standing or squeezed in with friends, learning about life through conversations.

Could I ever have known that the simple window seat would play such a role in my introspection, helping me reflect on life's values, my inner self, and future plans?

The winding mountain roads provided me with ample time to think, something that today's fast-paced life rarely allows.

HRTC is the life-giving institution that connects hearts and souls.

I Pray that it continues to move forward, overcoming every obstacle in its path.

(Dr Sudesh Mokhta is a senior IAS officer, Himachal cadre  and a writer)