Jammu : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Monday flagged off the JKRTC Jammu–Haridwar Yatri Bus service from the revered Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Jewel Chowk, Jammu, marking a significant step towards strengthening pilgrimage tourism and public transport connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the new service will serve as a spiritual and cultural bridge between Jammu, the City of Temples, and Haridwar, the gateway to the holy River Ganga. He said that lakhs of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir visit Haridwar every year to perform Ganga Aarti, shraddh, pinddaan and other sacred rituals and this direct service will make their journey safe, comfortable and affordable.
Satish Sharma said the initiative has been launched under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister with the aim of ensuring that pilgrims do not face any hardship while travelling to major religious destinations. “The dedicated service from Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir to Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar will provide seamless direct connectivity, eliminating inconvenience and ensuring peace of mind for devotees,” he added.
The Minister informed that the service will be operated with modern, comfortable buses equipped with essential amenities, experienced drivers for safe night travel and affordable fares, keeping in view the needs of common people, senior citizens and families. The buses will provide direct drop-off at Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar, enabling easy access to Ganga Aarti, religious rituals and accommodation.
Highlighting the government’s commitment towards promoting religious tourism and people-centric transport services, Satish Sharma said that improved connectivity to holy nes such as Vaishno Devi, Amarnath and now Haridwar has significantly transformed pilgrimage travel while also boosting economic activities.
The Minister expressed thanks to the Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust, the JKRTC management and staff and religious institutions for their support in making the service operational.
He prayed for a safe and blessed journey for all the pilgrims and reaffirmed that the government will continue working towards better transport facilities, enhanced religious tourism and citizen-friendly services across Jammu and Kashmir.
