Due to JK Govt’s inability, Himachal runs bus service from Basohli

After cashing the tourism potential of Ladakh region, Himachal Pradesh government is now making inroads in Jammu and Kashmir through Atal Setu by providing much needed bus service to scenic Bani-Basohli-Sarthal Belt of Kathua district.
Sources said that after commissioning of Atal Setu, North India’s first cable stayed bridge connecting three northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, people of Bani- Basohli approached Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, and requested for provision of interstate connectivity to Heritage Basohli town.
“Acting upon this, Government of India wrote separate letters to Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi and requested them to look into the matter and take appropriate action,” sources said, adding, “Taking lead, Himachal Pradesh government immediately started a bus service connecting Basohli (J&K)-Dunera (Punjab)- Jassur (Himachal), which is now extended up to Haridwar, Uttrakhand. “However J&K government only erected a barrier at Bridge’s Basohli end and started collecting toll tax, feeling very much contented with little revenue” they added.
Sources said by providing daily bus service through Basohli upto Haridwar, Himachal government fulfilled long pending demand of the people of the area. They added that with plying of daily bus service people of Bhasoli can move hassle free up to Haridwar in just Rs 488 while earlier they have to travel extra 73 kilometers towards Lakhanpur to board an interstate bus.
When contacted, Raj Kumar Bhagat, Secretary to Government Transport Department told Kashmir Post that state transport department is passing through a crucial phase and don’t have sufficient infrastructure to meet the demands.