Residents protest discontinuation of smart bus service in Pulwama villages

Pulwama, Jun 11: Residents of several villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have expressed resentment over the discontinuation of the smart bus service, saying its absence has caused considerable inconvenience to commuters, particularly students, patients and daily wage earners.

According to residents, the buses have not been operating on routes connecting Newa, Inder, Gudoora, Parigam and Karimabad villages for nearly three weeks, leaving hundreds of commuters dependent on private transport. “For the last three weeks, we have not seen the smart buses on our route. No explanation has been given for their suspension,” said Abdul Ghani, a resident from New Colony Pulwama. “Many people had adjusted their daily schedules around the bus timings. Now they are forced to spend more on transport”, he added.  The resident said that even the authorities issued orders to restart the service, but to no avail.  “We can’t afford the expensive travel by cabs”, he added.  The smart bus service was introduced months ago on the Nowgam, Srinagar to New Colony Pulwama route and was welcomed by commuters as an affordable and reliable mode of transport.

Residents said the service had significantly eased travel for students attending colleges and universities in Srinagar as well as patients visiting hospitals in the city. “The buses were punctual, comfortable and economical. Their discontinuation has hit students and daily commuters the hardest,” said Musadiq Reyaz, a social activist from Pulwama. He said the buses are currently not operating beyond Parigam village, depriving residents of several adjoining villages of the facility.

A college student from Karimabad said many students now have to change multiple vehicles to reach their destinations.  “The smart buses reduced both travel time and expenses. We are now spending almost double the amount on transportation,” he said. Another resident said the suspension of the service has particularly affected elderly people and patients who frequently travel to Srinagar for treatment. The residents urged the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, and the transport authorities to intervene and restore the service at the earliest, stating that its continuation is essential for thousands of commuters in the area.