The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, May 10
Amid rising tensions and the threat of war between India and Pakistan, Haryana Roadways has suspended bus services to border areas as a precautionary measure.
Effective Friday, buses traveling from Kaithal to Katra and the border regions of Punjab have been stopped until further notice. The decision was made by the General Manager of Kaithal Roadways following orders from the state government. Buses that were already en route to these destinations have also been called back.
However, services to Chandigarh and Punjab’s Sangrur and Patiala districts continue as usual.According to roadways officials, while buses to Pathankot and Amritsar departed on Friday morning, they are now being turned back at Jalandhar.
Limited Routes Affected
Currently, one bus each operates daily from Kaithal to Pathankot, Amritsar, and Katra. All these services have now been suspended until instructions are received from the department headquarters.
Official Statement
Kaithal Roadways General Manager Kamaljeet Chahal confirmed that buses from Kaithal to Pathankot, Amritsar, and Katra — key districts bordering Pakistan — have been stopped as per directives from senior officials. He added that buses to other parts of Punjab are still running normally.
Disruption Extends to Rail Services
The impact is not limited to roadways. Buses and trains from Panipat to Punjab, Jammu, and Chandigarh have also been halted in response to the heightened security situation following recent air strikes.
Railways have ordered all trains to stop before Ambala railway station. Approximately 150 trains, including the Vande Bharat, pass through Panipat, with 125 stopping at the station. This new order has caused significant inconvenience to long-distance travelers.
Passengers Face Challenges, Show Resilience
Roadways has also suspended buses from Panipat to Amritsar and Dera Baba Nanak, while Chandigarh-bound buses are now running only as far as Ambala. On Friday morning, many passengers were caught off guard by the cancellations.
Despite the disruptions, some passengers expressed support for the government’s tough stance.Railway passengers Ajmer and Vikas said they are willing to face travel difficulties if it means sending a strong response to Pakistan and terrorism.
Bus passengers Kripal and Niranjan, bound for Amritsar, said they plan to reach Ambala by bus and make alternate arrangements from there. “It’s time to give Pakistan a strong reply,” they remarked.
Officials Confirm the Situation
Vikram Kamboj, General Manager of the Roadways Depot, stated: “After Katra, buses going to Punjab and Chandigarh have been stopped. Now, buses are running only up to Ambala.”
Dheeraj Kapoor, Station Superintendent, Panipat Railway Station, added: “Long-distance trains are now ordered to stop before Ambala.”
