Kishtwar, June 5 – The recently launched State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus service connecting Kishtwar to the remote Marwah area in Kishtwar district has come under scrutiny following reports of overloading. A letter issued by the Depot Manager of the Chenab Valley Depot, J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), headquartered in Doda, has highlighted safety concerns and urged authorities to take immediate action to prevent overcrowding on the buses.
The bus service, flagged off on May 19, 2025, by MLA P.L. Sharma, was introduced to provide much-needed connectivity to the far-flung regions of Marwah and Warwan. The initiative has been widely appreciated, particularly by women who can now travel free of cost between Kishtwar and Marwah, with the option to board from Larnoo. Local residents have hailed the efforts of Youth National Conference leader Amir Magrey and Ghulam Rasool Magrey, whose persistent advocacy played a pivotal role in bringing the service to fruition. For the economically disadvantaged population of the region, the bus service has emerged as a lifeline, easing the burden of travel in this hilly terrain.
However, the letter, dated May 30, 2025, and addressed to the Station House Officer of Marwah Police Station in Nowpachi Marwah, paints a concerning picture. Signed by the Depot Manager (Chenab Valley), JKRTC H.Q. Doda, the letter notes that while the bus service has been a boon for commuters, instances of overloading have led to unsafe conditions. It states that passengers have been boarding buses beyond their capacity, often resorting to threats and abusive language towards the crew when denied entry. “The road is hilly, and there should be no overloading in the buses,” the letter emphasizes, requesting police assistance at the Nowpachi bus stand to ensure compliance with safety norms. It also calls for Traffic Control Police (TCP) personnel to conduct checks en route to prevent overcrowding, which could lead to accidents.
The Chenab Valley Depot, headquartered in Doda, is a regional office of the JKRTC responsible for overseeing bus operations in the Chenab Valley region, which includes districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. The JKRTC, a government undertaking, operates under the broader framework of the SRTC, which has been instrumental in providing affordable transportation across Jammu and Kashmir.
While the bus service has undoubtedly improved accessibility for the people of Marwah, the issue of overloading underscores the need for better regulation and infrastructure to sustain such initiatives. Local residents have urged the authorities to increase the frequency of buses to accommodate the growing demand, particularly during peak hours, to prevent such safety violations.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times