Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today flagged off a dedicated JKRTC bus service from the DC Office Complex Kishtwar for the convenience of devotees undertaking the ongoing Shri Machail Mata Yatra. The bus will operate on the Kishtwar–Padder–Machail route to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Machail Mata.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the service will run on the Gulabgarh–Machail route, providing safe, affordable and hassle-free travel to pilgrims. From Monday to Thursday, the bus will ply the Kishtwar–Gulabgarh–Chishoti route, enhancing public transport connectivity for local residents and commuters in the area.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma said that the Shri Machail Mata Yatra is currently underway and witnessing a significant influx of pilgrims. In view of the increasing rush of devotees and the growing demand for transportation, the dedicated JKRTC bus service has been introduced.
He expressed confidence that the service would significantly ease travel to the holy shrine while improving connectivity to the remote areas of the Padder region. Among those present were Additional District Commissioner (ADC) Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, Tehsildar (Hq) Mohd Rafie Naik, ARTO Kishtwar Tasleem Wani, Manager JKRTC Doda/Kishtwar Ravinder Sharma and other officials concerned.