DH NEWS SERVICE
KISHTWAR, jun 15
In a significant step aimed at facilitating pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, on Monday flagged off a dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) bus service from the DC Office Complex in Kishtwar. The initiative has been introduced to ensure safe, convenient, and affordable transportation for devotees visiting the revered shrine located in the remote Padder region of the district.
The launch of the bus service comes at a time when the Shri Machail Mata Yatra is witnessing a steady influx of pilgrims from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir as well as other regions of the country. The annual pilgrimage holds immense religious significance and attracts thousands of devotees who undertake the journey to seek blessings at the sacred shrine nestled amidst the picturesque mountains of Padder Valley.
The newly introduced JKRTC bus service will operate on the Kishtwar-Padder-Machail route, providing direct transportation facilities to pilgrims travelling to the holy shrine. The initiative is expected to reduce transportation difficulties faced by devotees, particularly those who rely on public transport to complete their pilgrimage.
According to the schedule announced by the district administration, the bus service will operate on the Gulabgarh-Machail route every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These days generally witness a larger number of pilgrims visiting the shrine, and the dedicated service has been planned to accommodate the increased rush while ensuring comfortable and hassle-free travel.
On the remaining days of the week, from Monday to Thursday, the bus will ply on the Kishtwar-Gulabgarh-Chishoti route.
This arrangement will not only support the pilgrimage but will also strengthen public transport facilities for local residents living in remote areas of the Padder subdivision. The service is expected to benefit daily commuters, students, traders, and residents who depend on reliable transportation for their routine travel requirements.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma said that the district administration has been making continuous efforts to ensure that all necessary facilities are available to pilgrims undertaking the Shri Machail Mata Yatra. He noted that the number of devotees visiting the shrine has been increasing steadily, creating a growing demand for transportation services in the region.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed confidence that the dedicated JKRTC bus service would significantly ease travel for pilgrims and contribute to the smooth conduct of the yatra. He stated that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to providing better infrastructure and public services while ensuring the safety and convenience of visitors.
He further emphasized that the service would also play an important role in improving connectivity to far-flung areas of the Padder region, thereby benefiting local communities and promoting socio-economic activity in the area. Improved transport facilities, he noted, are essential for the overall development of remote regions and for enhancing access to essential services.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Additional District Commissioner Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal, Tehsildar Headquarters Mohd Rafie Naik, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Tasleem Wani, JKRTC Manager for Doda and Kishtwar Ravinder Sharma, along with other officials from various departments.
The launch of the dedicated bus service has been welcomed by pilgrims and local residents alike, who view it as a timely and much-needed initiative. With the yatra gaining momentum, the service is expected to ensure smoother travel arrangements while contributing to the successful and orderly conduct of one of the region’s most important religious pilgrimages.
