Demand for JKSRTC Bandipora-Srinagar bus service via Ganderbal grows shriller

Bandipora, Oct 29: The demand for a government bus service from Bandipora to Srinagar via Ganderbal has grown louder in this north Kashmir district.

Scores of locals and students have requested that the concerned government authorities take immediate action on the matter.

"This is an important route for patients seeking treatment at SKIMS hospital in Soura," said Mohammad Auqib, a local from the district headquarters.

In addition to the important hospital located on the route, locals say the bus service would significantly alleviate stress for many students attending the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in Tulmulla, Ganderbal.

The service would also provide convenience to students studying at Kashmir University in Dargah, Hazratbal, they stressed.

Furthermore, students from the Government Engineering College, located near Ganderbal's Manasbal, and those from Government Degree College Ganderbal would also "heave a sigh of relief," according to student Mukheet Mubashir, who added, "It is high time the concerned authorities take our requests into consideration."

Notably, the Students Welfare Association of Bandipora made a representation to district authorities at the beginning of 2023, which was forwarded to the General Manager of JK SRTC in February via the Additional Deputy Commissioner's office. However, no decision has been made by the authorities.

Again, in September 2023, the JKSRTC offices in Bandipora and Srinagar, along with the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) in Bandipora, were directed by the then Joint Director of Planning to start the bus service on a trial basis "once a week" due to repeated requests from the students, and to gather feedback. Still, no action has been taken, even as 2024 approaches, they added.

Mubashir, who made the representation on behalf of the students and the general public, said, "We are eagerly waiting for the redressal of our grievances."

"Besides the students, patients and their attendants who need to visit the hospital face many problems reaching their destinations. Furthermore, students often have to pay hefty fares for cabs, which is inconvenient," he added.

Currently, no buses—either government or private—ply on the route, leaving commuters reliant on passenger cabs to Ganderbal, which are often unavailable during late or peak hours, according to local Javid Saleem.

He said that commuters are often forced to hitch rides or take multiple passenger vehicles, which he described as hectic and time-consuming.