Srinagar: The residents, especially commuters have expressed resentment against the authorities for shifting the main bus stand Budgam to a newly established bus stand, which according to them is barely one km far from the main town and two kms away from the government offices, situated in the district.

Notably, the erstwhile bus stand was functional since the last 50 years and is surrounded by a population of about 15,000 people.

The residents said that the new established bus stand is far off from the main town and its adjoining areas, resulting in immense hardships to them.

“We are unable to understand that why the government isn’t planning any expansion of the already existing bus stand,” Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh, a local from Budgam said, adding that they are facing tremendous hardships to reach the newly established bus stand.

Meanwhile, the traders also alleged that the shifting of bus stand has adversely affected the livelihood of hundreds of people associated with the business operating around the erstwhile bus stand.

They urged the authorities to rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers and businessmen.

“The shifting of bus stand is a right step, but our economy has been shattered. The district administration must not take a decision in isolation and without rehabilitating the shopkeepers,” said Ashiq Hussain, a shopkeeper.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Mohammad Harun Malik said, “We will look into the matter and will take up the issue with RTO Budgam and resolve it at an earliest.”

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