“ Bus Service Was a Lifeline”
Srinagar, Jun 19: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has suspended the Swaraj Mazda transport service for staff posted in its associated hospitals, even though the buses are yet to be officially condemned, leaving many employees struggling to commute to their workplaces.
According to details available with the employees, three Swaraj Mazda mini buses of GMC Srinagar have been taken out of service.
However, official records show that the registration certificates and fitness of the vehicles remain valid until October and November 2026, while their insurance and pollution under control (PUC) certificates are valid until 2027.
The buses, which operated from different parts of Kashmir, were used to transport employees posted in the associated hospitals of GMC Srinagar. With the service now suspended, staff members say they have been left worried about their daily commute.
The employees questioned the decision, alleging that the buses have not yet been formally condemned by the competent authority and could continue to be used until alternative arrangements are put in place.
Staff members said the transport facility was a lifeline for many employees, particularly paramedical and support staff, who relied on the buses to attend duties at the associated hospitals.
“Many employees cannot afford the cost of daily private transport. The suspension of the bus service has increased both the financial burden and travel hardships,” an employee said.
The employees claimed that no alternative transport arrangement has been made following the suspension of the service. They said public transport options are limited and often unreliable, especially for staff required to report for early morning shifts and emergency duties.
The employees urged the authorities to either restore the bus service or provide an alternative transportation mechanism to ensure uninterrupted attendance of healthcare workers.
They warned that continued disruption in transportation could adversely affect staff punctuality and the overall functioning of healthcare services.
Some employees also argued that the existing vehicles could be used for a few more years after necessary assessments, thereby saving public funds.
Administrator GMC Srinagar, Gulzar Ahmad said that they have written to the RTO Kashmir on 01/06/2026 and sought permission to utilize the buses for a few more years. He also said that, however, they have not received any reply from the RTO Kashmir.
However, RTO Kashmir did not respond to the repeated phone calls from Rising Kashmir.
