20-05-2023 : In a remarkable development, the far-flung village of Gattu in the Panchayat Dholka of Bani Tehsil, Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the arrival of the first passenger bus in over seven decades. This momentous occasion was marked by the heartwarming gesture of the villagers who garlanded the driver and his helper, expressing their joy and gratitude.
For the residents of village Gattu, access to public transportation had remained an unfulfilled dream due to the absence of proper connectivity and the challenges posed by a ‘kachha road’. However, their aspirations were reignited by the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which paved the way for improved connectivity and enabled them to venture beyond the confines of their village.
Located approximately 40 kilometers away from Bani town, the arrival of the first passenger bus at their doorstep brought smiles and a renewed sense of hope to the people of Gattu. Satish Sharma, the Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) of Bani, highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing that prior to this, no passenger bus had operated on this route. He commended the concerted efforts of the government machinery in facilitating this crucial connectivity.
The SDM further assured the villagers that the bus service would now become a regular feature, adhering to a fixed schedule. A local Panchayat representative expressed delight at the bus service, acknowledging its benefits for not only Gattu but also the neighboring panchayats of Roulka, Dholka, and others.
The villagers extended their heartfelt gratitude to the SDM, local sarpanch, and other officials for fulfilling their long-standing demand. The newly introduced bus service will not only connect far-flung areas with the district headquarters but also contribute to the overall development of the region. Previously, residents had to rely on private vehicles to reach Bani, but the direct bus service has now alleviated their hardships.
The initiation of the bus service to Gattu, following the recent launch of the bus service to Dholka, will benefit approximately 20,000 people residing in the surrounding villages of Asso, Barmota, Roulka, Dholka, and Dandi Guttu. The improved accessibility will particularly ease the difficulties faced by children who previously had to endure hardships to reach Kathua for their studies.
This development reflects the rapid progress and focused efforts on road connectivity, infrastructure, and other essential amenities in the burgeoning region of Bani. Government officials highlighted the government’s commitment to extending public transportation to all remote areas of the district, with ongoing projects for road blacktopping and enhanced connectivity already underway.
The arrival of the first passenger bus in Gattu not only symbolizes a significant milestone for the village but also represents a step towards comprehensive development, harnessing the rich tourism potential of the region. The dedicated focus on improving road connectivity and providing essential facilities underscores the government’s determination to uplift and empower remote areas, ensuring equitable progress for all.