Feb 4: Promoting inclusivity, communal harmony, and spiritual connectivity, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir today flagged off Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses to prominent religious destinations across the country, including Ajmer Sharif, Anandpur Sahib, and Jawalaji.
The initiative aims to provide safe, affordable, and accessible travel facilities for pilgrims from different faiths, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social harmony and people-centric governance.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Minister for Transport Satish Sharma and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami, along with senior officials of the transport department and J&K SRTC. The presence of senior leadership underscored the importance attached to strengthening interfaith connectivity and public transport infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has a long tradition of religious pluralism and shared cultural heritage, and initiatives like these reflect the administration’s resolve to nurture unity in diversity. He emphasised that facilitating pilgrimage travel is not merely a transport service, but a step toward fostering mutual respect and understanding among communities.
The newly flagged-off bus services will connect Jammu and Kashmir with major pilgrimage centres across India. Ajmer Sharif is revered by followers of multiple faiths, Anandpur Sahib holds immense significance in Sikh history, while Jawalaji is one of the prominent Shakti Peeths for Hindu devotees. The routes have been designed to ensure comfort, safety and convenience for passengers undertaking long-distance journeys.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma stated that J&K SRTC is continuously working to expand its network and improve service quality. He said that special attention has been given to vehicle fitness, driver training and passenger amenities to ensure a smooth and dignified travel experience for pilgrims.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami highlighted that the initiative reflects the administration’s broader vision of inclusive development, where government services cater to the diverse social and spiritual needs of the people. He added that such efforts help strengthen emotional bonds between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.
Officials informed that the bus services will operate on a scheduled basis, with provisions for booking and assistance for elderly passengers. The initiative is also expected to reduce dependence on costly private travel options, making pilgrimages more affordable for common citizens.
The flagging off of these buses marks another step by the Jammu and Kashmir government toward promoting social cohesion, cultural exchange and people-to-people contact, while reinforcing the role of public transport as a vital public service.
