CM Flags Off JKRTC Pilgrimage Buses to Multiple Shrines | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday flagged off special JK Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus services to major religious destinations across the country from MA Stadium in Jammu, aimed at facilitating affordable pilgrimage travel for devotees from the Union Territory.

The services will operate to prominent shrines and places of worship of different faiths, including Shahdra Sharief, Jawalaji, Namgyal Monastery at McLeod Ganj, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Ajmer Sharief and Our Lady of Graces at Sardhana.

Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, Adviser to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam, Managing Director JK RTC Abdul Rashid War and other senior officials were present at the flag-off ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has a long tradition of pluralism and coexistence, and the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening mutual respect and harmony among communities. He said facilitating access to religious destinations of all faiths reinforces unity and the region’s shared cultural heritage.

Omar Abdullah also commended the Transport Department and JK RTC for introducing people-centric services, noting that such initiatives promote spiritual well-being while enhancing inter-state connectivity and tourism.

Transport Minister Satish Sharma said JK RTC is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable transport facilities and added that services would be expanded further in line with public demand.