The Poonch-Rawalakot Bus is a cross-border transport service that connects Poonch in Indian-administered Kashmir with Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir. The service was inaugurated on 21 June 2006, serving as an important confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan.[1][2]
History[edit | edit source]
The bus service was launched after the success of the Muzaffarabad to Srinagar bus service which started on 7 April 2005. Initially launched as a fortnightly service, in August 2008, buses began to operate weekly. The Poonch-Rawalakot bus service was started on 6 June 2006.[1][2][3]
Suspension and resumption[edit | edit source]
The bus service has experienced interruptions due to conflicts and tensions along the LoC. Despite these challenges, it has demonstrated its resilience by restarting operations following such events.[4][5] Now it has been suspended from 2019.[6]
Impact[edit | edit source]
The bus service has acted as a bridge, reconnecting countless Kashmiris separated by the Line of Control (LoC). By April 2011, this service had enabled 15,000 Kashmiris to traverse this divide. This service has also played a pivotal role in enhancing diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan.[2]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rawlakot-Poonch bus service inaugurated". DAWN.COM. June 21, 2006.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Intra-Kashmir bus service completes six years". The Express Tribune. April 16, 2011.
- ↑ "Poonch-Rawalakot bus service starts from June 20". Brecorder. June 19, 2006.
- ↑ "Trade, bus services resume across LoC as tensions ebb". DAWN.COM. January 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Poonch-Rawalakot bus service resumes: Indian media". www.thenews.com.pk.
- ↑ "Poonch to Rawalakot: Pakistan suspends cross-LoC bus service". 20 August 2019.
Template:International Bus Services from India
