JKSRTC Bus Services: A Disheartening Reality in Jammu and Kashmir

JKSRTC Bus Services: A Disheartening Reality in Jammu and Kashmir

SHAFQAT SHEIKH

JKSRTC Bus Services: The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) bus services have become one of the most disappointing symbols of the promises made by the Jammu and Kashmir Government since their inception. Despite numerous assurances from government officials about improving transportation, many areas and tehsils in this stunning yet rugged region still lack reliable transport options, leaving daily commuters feeling disheartened and frustrated.
During election rallies, political representatives make grand promises, passionately vowing to establish reliable government transport services at the block and tehsil levels to improve regional connectivity.

However, many of these inspiring pledges quickly fade into unfulfilled commitments, causing citizens to question the government’s sincerity, accountability, and genuine dedication to advancing public transport infrastructure.

A clear example of this shortfall was shown during the most recent legislative assembly session. A bill promoting free transport for female passengers was introduced with notable fanfare, seemingly signalling a new era of access for women in the region.

However, as days passed into weeks, it became more evident that the JKSRTC was struggling with a serious shortage of operational buses. This logistical challenge made the ambitious proposal unfeasible, leaving large rural areas without essential bus services, while the promise of free transport remained merely another empty slogan.

The ramifications of such an unreliable public transport system extend far beyond mere inconvenience; they deeply stifle economic growth, limit mobility, and hinder accessibility for countless citizens.

Many residents now view the JKSRTC not just as a troubled transport service but as a stark emblem of governmental neglect. Each day that passes without meaningful change further distances the dream of a robust and efficient public transportation system in Jammu and Kashmir.

In numerous rural areas designated as Tehsil and Block headquarters, the lack of connectivity to district headquarters forces residents to rely on expensive private transportation options, often beyond their financial means. Furthermore, the eagerly anticipated free bus service for female passengers appears more like a distant mirage, especially as rural communities continue to be overlooked in the government’s transport planning.

Adding to the troubling situation, users of the JKSRTC bus services travelling from Kishtwar to Srinagar and Kishtwar to Jammu have reported alarming incidents of discrimination and mismanagement. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that counter staff and ticket managers are not distributing tickets fairly, favouring friends, relatives, and acquaintances, while legitimate passengers are left stranded in exasperatingly long queues.

Local commuter Ashiq Wani recently shared a disheartening account of his experience at the SRTC (State Road Transport Corporation) ticket counter in Srinagar and Kishtwar. His frustration stemmed from an alarming pattern he observed among the staff, who appeared to prioritise tickets for their friends and family, leaving other deserving passengers in a state of confusion and distress.

Wani witnessed a particularly troubling incident where a passenger, despite being several places back in line, was able to receive a ticket with little delay, while individuals at serial number 15—recognised by the staff—were served almost immediately. This blatant disregard for established queuing norms raises serious questions about fairness and accountability within the system.

The cumulative impact of these troubling practices, compounded by ongoing ticket shortages and agonising wait times, paints a bleak picture of a transport system in dire need of reform. The inefficiency of JKSRTC not only frustrates travellers but also emphasises an urgent call for systemic changes to restore hope and rebuild public trust in Jammu and Kashmir’s public transportation framework.

In the region, a critical and long-standing shortage of government buses and public transportation options persists, a problem that has been largely neglected by the authorities. As a direct consequence, commuters increasingly rely on private transport, which often proves to be more expensive and less accessible.

Although the recent initiative to provide free bus services for women is a step forward, it seems more like a token gesture rather than a substantive solution to the broader transportation crisis.

What is fundamentally needed is a comprehensive public transport system that ensures buses are deployed and operational at every block and tehsil level throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Such an initiative would significantly alleviate the transportation challenges faced by the populace, enhancing mobility and providing equitable access to vital services.

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Until these measures are put into effect, commuters in the region will continue to endure significant hardships, highlighting the pressing need for a thorough and critical evaluation of the public transport infrastructure.
Moreover, the failure of both the Bharatiya Janata Party, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, to expand SRTC bus services in rural areas underscores a long-standing and legitimate demand that has gone unaddressed.

In these rural communities, public transportation options remain woefully limited, with only a handful of private vehicles in operation. This limited accessibility forces residents to either embark on long, arduous walks or incur excessive costs by hiring cabs, reflecting a major impediment to their mobility.

The glaring lack of affordable and accessible transportation underscores the necessity for government intervention to improve mobility for these rural communities, ensuring that all citizens have the means to travel safely and economically.

(The author is a Freelance Writer, Columnist from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com, 9419974577, 9419281321)