SRINAGAR: The recent change and prolonged disruption in Smart City bus services, particularly on Route 7A between Batmaloo and Pampore, has triggered widespread concern among commuters, with students, office-goers and labourers facing severe transport difficulties across several areas of Pampore and Srinagar.
Commuters alleged that buses which earlier operated smoothly through key residential and commercial areas have either been diverted, curtailed or suspended without adequate public notice, forcing passengers to rely on expensive private transport or walk long distances. Residents said the revised route structure has disrupted daily travel schedules, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
The worst-affected areas include Pampore town, Sempora, Saffron Colony, Drangbal, Kadlabal and adjoining localities, where commuters said public transport availability has become increasingly difficult over the past few weeks.
Locals stated that the last stop of Smart City buses was previously Kadlabal in Pampore, but services were later extended towards Pulwama town. As a result, buses now reportedly arrive overcrowded from Pulwama and nearby areas, leaving many Pampore commuters unable to board.
The suspension has particularly affected students attending colleges and examinations, as well as employees travelling daily to Srinagar for work. A student, Momin Ahmad, said several students had missed classes and examinations due to the lack of proper bus services.
“Smart City buses were a major relief for us. For weeks, buses have not been operating properly on this route, while commuters from Pampore continue to suffer,” he said.
Residents urged the authorities to immediately restore the previous route or introduce additional Smart City or SRTC Green Bus services to ease public inconvenience.
Officials associated with the Smart City Authority said the government was reviewing the entire route structure following objections and a strike by private local bus operators. They added that no final decision had yet been taken regarding the restoration of Route 7A on its previous alignment.
An official alleged that private operators had obstructed the movement of government buses in certain areas and claimed that Smart City bus drivers faced harassment while operating on some routes.
Meanwhile, Pampore MLA Justice Hasnain Masoodi said efforts were underway to restore services at the earliest.
