Public transport to remain off roads

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 20

Tightening its measures to check the outbreak of Covid-19, the UT Administration today ceased the operation of mass public transport, including buses and minibuses, in the district with immediate effect.

However, the administration, in a relief, has provided SRTC bus services on 14 different routes for the convenience of government employees on production of the ID proof and travellers in emergency.

In an order issued by District Magistrate, Jammu, Sushma Chauhan the district administration while restricting all modes of mass public transport on plying in Jammu district said, “The SRTC buses would ply on the Amphalla to Bari Brahmana route.

“The SRTC bus service would also ply on Amphalla to Nanak Nagar via Kacchi Chowni, Shalimar Hospital, Indira Chowk, Dogra Chowk, Bikram Chowk, Nanak Nagar and back,” the order said.

The administration will also operate the SRTC buses from Amphalla to Sunjwan, Amphalla to Bathindi, Amphalla to R S Pura, Amphalla to Narwal, Bus Stand to Akhnoor, Indira Chowk to Jagti, Amphalla to Simbal Camp, Panjthirthi to Gole Gujral, Amphalla to Shastri Nagar, Bus Stand to Bantalab, Bus Stand to Bantalab and Panjthirthi to Bohri routes.

However, auto-rickshaws or taxi, with not more than three persons on board, will be permitted to operate and ply on the city routes.

“Any violation of the directions will lead to prosecution under Section 51 of the DM Act 2005,” the District Magistrate said.

Meanwhile, the city roads observed thin movement of public transport as the private transporters avoided plying their vehicles in view of the ongoing Covid threat and low presence of passengers.