Pampore Residents Struggle as Smart City Bus Service Bypasses Town

SRINAGAR: Residents of Pampore town are facing major inconvenience as the Smart City bus service on route No 7A continues to bypass the town, forcing daily commuters to seek alternative transport.

The service, which runs between Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar and Pahoo via Pampore road, was suspended earlier this month after heavy rainfall on September 5, damaged the embankment at Drangbal when the Jhelum river overflowed. Authorities halted operations temporarily to carry out reconstruction work.

Although repairs were reportedly completed several days ago, buses continue to detour via the Panthachowk bypass, skipping the main Pampore market and residential areas. Students, employees, labourers, and patients have been among those most affected.

Residents said they approached drivers, who claimed they had instructions from higher authorities not to take the original route. Locals also questioned why other vehicles, including buses 7B and 7D, as well as trucks, are allowed through Pampore while the Smart City buses are not.

“Students have to walk several kilometres every day because there are no Smart City bus services available. Everyone is facing severe hardships, and commuting has become extremely difficult,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local.

Meanwhile, the authorities have assured that drivers will be permitted to resume the original route from tomorrow.