Ludhiana, Feb. 17 -- Public transport services at the inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) in the city were disrupted after a rally organised by the Aam Aadmi Party in Killi Chahal village near Moga led to the large-scale diversion of government buses. What began as a routine travel day for hundreds of commuters quickly turned into hours of uncertainty, frustration and helpless waiting.

An official, wishing not to be named, said nearly 80% of the government buses did not operate on their regular routes, leaving only about 20% functional. Out of a fleet of 90 Punjab Roadways buses, 55 were deployed for the rally, while 70 out of 130 PRTC buses were also diverted. The massive deployment severely crippled connectivity across key routes.

At the ...