Suhail Rather

Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS) : Bandipora-bound passengers, particularly students and office-goers, are facing severe difficulties due to a shortage of sumos and alleged mismanagement at the Parimpora sumo stand.

Travellers say that after 3 PM, especially on weekends, it becomes almost impossible to get a vehicle to return home.

“After college, I often wait for hours just to get a sumo. Sometimes I have to hire a vehicle at double the normal fare because of this so-called ‘special arrangement,’” said Aaliya Rather, a student travelling from Bandipora to Srinagar.

She alleged that the Bandipora-bound Sumo Drivers hide their vehicles in nearby lanes to create a shortage so that they later charge more fares from passengers.

Passengers allege that the stand managers and agents deliberately create a false shortage during peak hours and then exploit the situation by charging higher fares. “There seems to be no coordination between the Bandipora and Parimpora sumo stands. We are the ones paying the price for their mismanagement,” said Farooq Ahmad, an employee commuting daily to Srinagar.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Locals have repeatedly raised the issue with the district administration and the ARTO office, but claim their complaints have largely been ignored. “We have submitted multiple representations, but no action has been taken so far. It’s frustrating for daily commuters,” said Muskaan Jan, another passenger.

The matter gained renewed attention after Ali Mohammad Hajam, President of the Traders Federation Bandipora, highlighted the issue on social media. “The harassment of passengers by sumo drivers and agents must end immediately. Authorities need to ensure fair and transparent operations,” Hajam said.

Hajam also appealed for the inclusion of more SRTC Smart Buses and Srinagar Smart City Buses, as had been promised in the past by the district administration, to reduce dependence on sumos and ease the commuting crisis.

Officials from the ARTO office were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. The story will be updated online as and when the concerned officials respond.(KNS)