Srinagar, May 11: The prolonged suspension of Smart City Bus Route 7A between Batmaloo and Pampore has caused major inconvenience for commuters, with students, office-goers and labourers struggling to access affordable public transport in several areas of Pampore.
Residents said the disruption has badly affected daily travel between Pampore and Srinagar over the past few weeks, forcing passengers to depend on costly private transport or walk long distances due to the lack of adequate bus services.
The worst-affected areas include main Pampore town, Sempora, Saffron Colony, Drangbal, Kadlabal and adjoining localities, where commuters said transport availability has become increasingly difficult.
Locals said the last stop of the Smart City buses was previously Kadlabal in Pampore, but services were later extended towards Pulwama town. As a result, passengers from Pampore alleged that buses now arrive overcrowded from Pulwama and nearby areas, making it difficult for local commuters to board.
Residents also demanded that if Smart City buses are not restored on the route, the government should introduce electric SRTC Green Buses to ease the transport crisis.
The suspension has particularly affected students attending colleges and examinations, as well as employees travelling daily to Srinagar for work. Commuters alleged that no formal announcement or alternative transport arrangement was made after the services were halted.
A student, Momin Ahmad, said many students had missed classes and examinations due to the non-availability of buses.
“Smart City buses were a major relief for us. For weeks, no buses have been operating properly on this route. Several services have reportedly been shifted towards Pulwama and Tral, while commuters from Pampore are suffering,” he said.
Officials from the Smart City Authority said the government is reviewing the entire route structure following objections and a strike by private local bus operators. They said no final decision has yet been taken regarding the restoration of Route 7A on its previous alignment.
An official associated with the authority alleged that private bus operators had obstructed the movement of government buses in certain areas and claimed that Smart City bus drivers faced harassment and intimidation while operating on some routes.
According to officials, the Commissioner has directed the department to keep the matter on hold until a final decision is reached, after which the route system may be revised.
Meanwhile, Pampore MLA Justice Hasnain Masoodi said efforts were underway to restore services at the earliest. He said one bus service is proposed to run from Gulender to Kadlabal, while Route 7A is expected to operate via Kadlabal to Pohu.
Masoodi said he was personally monitoring the issue and taking into consideration the difficulties being faced by the public.
