Senior leader of the Awami Itehad Party, Advocate Javed Hubi, has made a fervent appeal to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to restore the JKSRTC bus service for the people of Charar-i-Sharief, highlighting the hardships faced by residents due to the absence of public transportation.
In a statement issued recently, Advocate Hubi shed light on the growing difficulties faced by the people of the region, especially in light of the discontinuation of affordable or free bus services to and from Srinagar, which once served as a lifeline for thousands.
“Charar-i-Sharief, despite being home to one of the most revered spiritual and cultural landmarks in Jammu & Kashmir, continues to be neglected when it comes to basic public transport facilities,” said Hubi. “The once-regular JKSRTC bus service that offered free or low-cost transportation for locals has now become a distant memory, leaving ordinary people in distress.”
He further emphasized that the absence of public transport is adversely affecting students, elderly citizens, working professionals, and pilgrims—all of whom depend heavily on affordable and reliable travel options. With no dedicated bus service, many are now forced to rely on costly private transport or shared taxis, which are not only economically burdensome but also inconsistent and unsafe, especially for vulnerable sections of the community.
Advocate Hubi stressed that restoring the JKSRTC bus service would not only offer immense relief to daily commuters but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centric governance.
“It is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that no region, especially one as culturally and spiritually significant as Charar-i-Sharief, is left behind in terms of basic amenities like transportation. The return of the JKSRTC service would send a positive message of government accountability and public welfare,” he added.
Calling on the LG Administration to take immediate action, Hubi proposed that, even if free service is not feasible, regular and low-cost buses should be introduced without further delay. He also suggested that the Department of Transport and JKSRTC consider a dedicated route plan to cater to the heavy movement of pilgrims and tourists who visit the shrine throughout the year.
“People of Charar-i-Sharief deserve equal access to public services. Ignoring their legitimate transportation needs only fuels a sense of alienation and neglect,” he concluded.
The demand has resonated widely with locals who have welcomed the call and hope that the administration will respond positively to their long-standing grievance.