Synopsis: Keylong-Padum bus service is going to become reality very soon as HRTC has conducted a successful trial on this route. The plan is to run the bus on Rewalsar-Kullu-Manali-Keylong-Darcha-Padum route. Keylong-Padum bus service will help in tourism promotion in the region.
Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC), which operates buses on the country’s longest and highest route between Delhi and Leh, will soon start a bus service between Padum in Kargil district’s Zanskar valley and Keylong and Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The bus service, depending on demand, will be operated from Rewalsar in Himachal’s Mandi district.
HRTC has successfully conducted a trial run of a 29-seater mini bus between Lahaul-Spiti district’s headquarter Keylong and Zanskar’s headquarter Padum. First of its kind, the bus service will start immediately after completing the permit related formalities. Initially the bus may run on Keylong-Padum route but the plan is to run the bus on Rewalsar-Padum route.
Anshit Sharma, HRTC regional manager at Keylong, was quoted as saying: “The trial run has been successful. Once we complete all the formalities, the bus service will be launched immediately. Initially we plan to run only one bus, but if passenger load increases, we may increase the buses. The route permit is between Rewalsar and Padum. We are hoping for the success of the bus service.”
Zanskar being a Buddhist dominated valley, the residents have cultural and religious relations with Himachal, especially Lahaul-Spiti district and Rewalsar in Mandi district. Earlier, people of Zanskar used to enter Himachal after many days of hard trekking via Shinku-la pass or after three to four days long road journey via Kargil, Leh and Sarchu. Now the journey via 16,580ft high Shinku-la will be completed in just one day.
The distance between Padum and Keylong via traditional road through Kargil and Leh is 810km while the new road via Shinku-la will complete the journey in just 160km. The passengers will enjoy the scenic journey which will complete in a few hours. When the bus service will start from Rewalsar via Manali, Keylong and Shinkula, the total distance covered will be 365km.
“HRTC bus service, first in Zanskar and entire Kargil district, will be beneficial for locals and tourists alike. The service will boost tourism in Zanskar and provide people with comfortable travel options at low cost. The fare of the bus is still to be calculated,” Anshit was quoted as saying by the media.
Keylong-Padum bus will bring two regions closer: Punchok Tashi
People of Zanskar generally remain dependent on Kargil and Leh for shopping. Now they are coming towards Himachal for all kinds of purchasing at reasonable cost. Most of the children are studying in different Buddhist schools in Himachal. The only hurdle was non-availability of public transport as taxis are too expensive.
The elected member of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Punchok Tashi, who looks after tourism, rural development and all affairs of Zanskar valley, said, “Both Zanskar and many parts of Himachal share common culture and religion. The road via Shinkula pass is bringing us close. The bus service, which will be affordable for common people, will bring us closer. What can be more advantageous for the people of Zanskar is that bus will take them directly to Rewalsar which has religious important for us. Rewalsar is commonly known as Tso Pema by Buddhist people.”
He added that tourist flow to Zanskar valley has already increased after opening of the new road which is still under construction. He said the bus service will definitely boost tourism and will encourage those people to visit their valley who think the road is very dangerous. He said tourist footfall will definitely increase by manifolds when widening and blacktopping of the road will complete.
Beautification of Shinku-la pass
As the new road to Ladakh is going to become a major attraction for tourists, the Project Yojak of Border Roads Organisation has planned to beautify the 16,580ft high mountain pass. Also, a BRO Café will be opened here. People crossing the pass will stop here to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks and glaciers and will also enjoy drinks and meals at the café. A Buddhist Stupa will also be constructed on the pass by BRO on the request of the people of Zanskar.
Shinku La tunnel
A traffic tunnel is being built below the Shinku la pass. While most of the formalities have been done, the construction will start very soon. The Shinkula tunnel will make travel easy between Darcha and Padum.
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