Jawali traders lose biz as buses bypass town

Traders, shopkeepers and vendors in Jawali town of Kangra district are facing a steady decline in business. They blame the alleged highhandedness of both private bus operators and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) drivers. Though Jawali is their official route endpoint, most of the buses are halting at the Keharian Chowk, over a kilometre away on the town’s outskirts. As a result, the bus stand looks deserted and traders are distressed.

Local shopkeepers say customers now prefer shopping at the Keharian Chowk rather than walking to the Jawali’s main market. “This has shattered the town’s commercial life. Many small vendors, who once earned their livelihood here, are now shutting shops,” says Sourav Malhotra, president of the Jawali Beopar Mandal.

Malhotra says that traders had repeatedly raised the issue with both current and former MLAs as well as the local authorities but no action had been taken. “Inaction has jeopardised the livelihood of hundreds of traders who have been running their businesses in Jawali for decades,” he laments.

The Jawali bus stand, built by the HRTC at a cost of Rs 30.58 lakh 16 years ago, now stands neglected. The facility inaugurated by then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in 2009 is slowly deteriorating due to the lack of use and maintenance.

Commuters from nearby villages also face inconvenience everyday. They are forced to walk long distances in scorching heat or rain to reach the hospital, banks and offices in the town after being dropped at the Keharian Chowk. Though around 80 buses, both private and HRTC, operate from Jawali everyday, none provide pick-up or drop service at the official bus stand.

Officials say that the congested approach road and roadside encroachments near the bus stand prevent buses from entering the area. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Narinder Jaryal has assured the traders that he will take up the issue with the regional transport authorities to ensure that buses follow their permitted route and enter the Jawali bus stand, as required.