Srinagar, August 19: The prolonged suspension of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation’s Srinagar-Delhi bus service has left regular passengers dependent on private operators, prompting questions over the continued absence of the government-run service.

The JKRTC service has reportedly remained suspended since May 25, affecting students, traders, patients and other travellers who relied on the relatively affordable government buses for travel between Srinagar and Delhi.

Passengers said they have been forced to use private buses, which in many cases charge higher fares, adding to the financial burden of those travelling for medical treatment, education, business and other essential purposes.

The continued suspension has caused resentment among commuters, who have questioned why JKRTC buses remain off the route despite ongoing demand and the continued operation of private services.

Some insiders have also raised concerns that the prolonged absence of JKRTC buses is effectively leaving the route to private transport operators. They described the situation as difficult to understand and alleged that the suspension could be indirectly benefiting private transporters.

Sources within the corporation said the two buses earlier deployed on the Srinagar-Delhi route have remained parked at the JKRTC yard.

The disruption has reportedly also affected the corporation’s workforce, with sources claiming that some drivers working on a consolidated basis have left after receiving better salary offers from private transport companies.

Passengers have urged the government, particularly Transport Minister Satish Sharma, to restore the Srinagar-Delhi service at the earliest and provide an affordable public transport option on the important inter-state route.

Repeated attempts were reportedly made to obtain a response from the Transport Minister, but he could not be reached for comment.