Residents of Pampore are facing severe inconvenience as the Smart City bus service on route 7A continues to bypass the town, forcing commuters to seek alternative transport.

The service, connecting Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar to Pahoo via Pampore Road, was suspended earlier this month after heavy rainfall on 5 September damaged the embankment at Drangbal due to the Jhelum river overflowing. Operations were temporarily halted for reconstruction work.

Although repairs were reportedly completed several days ago, buses continue to detour via the Panthachowk bypass, skipping Pampore’s main market and residential areas. Students, employees, labourers and patients have been most affected.

Residents stated that drivers claimed they had instructions from higher authorities not to follow the original route. Locals also questioned why other vehicles, including buses 7B and 7D, and trucks, are allowed through Pampore while Smart City buses are not.

“Students have to walk several kilometres daily due to the lack of bus services. Everyone is facing hardships, and commuting has become extremely difficult,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local resident.

Authorities have assured that drivers will be permitted to resume the original route from tomorrow.