Bandipora, Sep 25. Locals of Kralpora village, just five kilometers from Bandipora town, are facing severe difficulties due to the absence of direct transport services that were discontinued after the Covid-19 pandemic. The earlier magic auto-rickshaw service provided affordable connectivity at Rs 20 per passenger between Kralpora and Bandipora via adjoining villages. However, the service was halted in 2019 and never restored.
Since then, villagers have been forced to walk nearly one kilometer to Pazalpora to board vehicles for Bandipora, where the fare is now Rs 25. Commuters say the added distance and cost have become especially burdensome for patients, students, and the elderly.
“Patients, students, and aged people suffer the most. Emergencies become worse due to delays,” said Mohd Shafi, a villager.
Despite repeated appeals to ARTO and the Deputy Commissioner, locals allege no action has been taken. They have once again urged authorities to restore the service immediately.
[KNT]
