Chenani tunnel: Distance cut but not bus fare

RK Kichlu

Batote, December 25

Despite shortening of distance by 31 km after the commissioning of the 9.25-km Chenani-Nashri tunnel on April 3, the bus fare being charged on the Chenani-Nashri route remains unchanged.

Passengers on the Jammu/Udhampur-Srinagar and Udhampur-Doda/ Kishtwar/ Bhaderwah route are still being charged the old fare while travelling between Batote and Chenani (31 km) via Kud.

“It is unfair to charge the same old fare from commuters despite shortening of the distance by 31 km. It affects people like me who have to travel on this route every week,” rued Ramesh Kumar, a commuter. “The fare of buses and taxis passing through the tunnel should be revised,” he said.

Narinder Kour, president, District Congress Committee (women), Ramban, has urging the Transport Commissioner to issue the amended fare-list for the route. She has sought permission for mini buses also to pass through the tunnel for the convenience of people of Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts.

“The higher authorities are aware of this fact and I have replied to the queries of the Transport Commissioner office. The notification for the amended bus fare is expected to be issued soon,” said Mohammed Salim, ARTO, Ramban.