Pulwama: Residents of several villages in Pulwama district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have expressed strong resentment over the sudden discontinuation of the smart bus service, which they say has disrupted daily commuting and increased financial strain on local households.
The suspension of the service has particularly affected students, patients, and daily wage earners who depended on the affordable transport facility for routine travel.
According to Beyond Time News, commuters say the halt in operations has caused widespread inconvenience across multiple rural routes that previously benefited from the service.
Bus Service Suspended for Weeks, Say Residents
Local residents reported that smart buses have not been operating on key routes for nearly three weeks.
These routes connect several villages, including Newa, Inder, Gudoora, Parigam, and Karimabad, with nearby urban centers. The absence of the service has left hundreds of commuters dependent on private vehicles and costly alternative transport options.
Residents said the sudden suspension came without any clear explanation from the authorities, adding to public frustration in the region.
Daily Commuters Face Rising Transport Costs
Many villagers said the discontinuation of the service has directly impacted their daily routines and household budgets.
Students traveling to educational institutions and patients visiting hospitals have been among the worst affected.
Local residents stated that they had structured their daily schedules around the bus timings, which previously offered a reliable and affordable transport option.
Now, with the service unavailable, many are forced to rely on expensive taxis or shared private transport, significantly increasing travel expenses.
Public Anger Over Lack of Communication
Commuters have also criticized the lack of communication from transport authorities regarding the suspension.
One resident, Abdul Ghani from New Colony Pulwama, said the buses had not been seen on the route for weeks and no official explanation had been provided.
He added that several families who depend on daily travel cannot afford higher transport costs and are struggling to adjust.
According to Beyond Time News, residents also claimed that despite instructions reportedly issued to resume the service, operations have not restarted.
Previously Introduced as Affordable Transport Solution
The smart bus service was introduced only a few months ago on the Nowgam, Srinagar to New Colony Pulwama route.
It was widely welcomed by residents as a low-cost and reliable public transport option, especially in rural areas with limited mobility infrastructure.
For many commuters, the service provided a structured and affordable alternative to private transport, improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Read more:Jammu Daily Wage Workers Protest Mandatory Mobile App Attendance Policy, Warn of Indefinite Strike
Impact on Rural Mobility and Daily Life
The suspension has highlighted ongoing transport challenges in rural parts of Pulwama district.
With limited public transport options, residents say they are once again dependent on irregular and expensive private services.
This shift has created difficulties for low-income families, particularly those who travel regularly for work, education, or medical needs.
Experts note that reliable public transport is essential for improving rural connectivity and reducing economic pressure on vulnerable communities.
Calls for Immediate Restoration of Service
Residents have urged authorities to immediately restore the smart bus service and ensure uninterrupted operations in the future.
They also called for better coordination between transport departments and local administration to prevent sudden service disruptions.
According to Beyond Time News, public demand for affordable transport remains high in the region, especially in areas where alternative options are limited or costly.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the smart bus service in Pulwama has sparked strong public concern, with residents highlighting its importance for daily mobility and economic relief.
As pressure mounts on authorities, commuters continue to seek urgent restoration of the service to ease financial burden and restore reliable transport access across affected villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are residents protesting in Pulwama?
Residents are protesting the suspension of the smart bus service that previously provided affordable transport in the region.
Which areas are affected by the bus suspension?
Villages including Newa, Inder, Gudoora, Parigam, and Karimabad are affected.
Who is most impacted by the suspension?
Students, patients, and daily wage earners are most affected due to increased transport costs.
When was the smart bus service introduced?
The service was introduced a few months ago on the Nowgam–Srinagar–New Colony Pulwama route.
What are residents demanding?
They are demanding the immediate restoration of the smart bus service and consistent operation.
#Pulwama #TransportCrisis #KashmirNews #PublicTransport #SmartBus #LocalNews #ResidentsProtest #JammuAndKashmir #BreakingNews #MobilityIssues
