Srinagar, Feb 27: The Srinagar–Uri bus service operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has remained defunct for the past week, leaving scores of commuters in the border town grappling with severe inconvenience.
Residents of Uri alleged that the government-run bus, which provided an affordable and reliable mode of transport between Srinagar and Uri, has not been operating, causing hardship to patients, students, the elderly, and daily wage earners who depend on the service.
“The bus service has been suspended for the last one week without any prior notice. We learnt that it has turned defunct. Patients travelling to Srinagar for medical check-ups and students attending colleges are the worst hit,” a group of locals told Rising Kashmir.
The service was launched in September last year and inaugurated by the MLA Uri amid much public enthusiasm.
Locals said the initiative was widely welcomed as it eased travel for people living in the far-flung border town.
However, residents alleged that while a well-maintained bus was initially deployed on the route, it was later replaced with a vehicle in dilapidated condition, causing frequent breakdowns and inconvenience to passengers.
“At first, a good-conditioned bus was deputed on the route. Later, a worn-out bus was put into service, which would often develop technical snags, giving tough time to commuters,” they complained.
The bus used to depart from Srinagar at 7:30 am and return from Uri at 3:15 pm, making it convenient for same-day travel for official work, education, and healthcare needs.
With the service now grounded, commuters are being forced to rely on private transport, which they say is both costly and unreliable.
The residents have urged the authorities to immediately restore the bus service and deploy a new vehicle on the stretch to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Meanwhile, General Manager (Operations), JKRTC Srinagar, Showkat Ahmad assured that the matter would be looked into.
