trasportation services in rawalakot, azad kashmir, pakistan

i

Table of Contents List of Tables, Figures and Maps .......................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Transport Services .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1. Introduction: ...........................................................................................1

1.2. Transportation Geography: .....................................................................2

1.3. Transportation Services:..........................................................................2

1.3.1. Public transport: ................................................................................2

1.3.2. Goods Transport: ..............................................................................2

1.4. Communication: .....................................................................................2

1.5. Communication Networks: .....................................................................3

1.6. Types of Communication: .......................................................................3

1.6.1. Mass communication: .......................................................................3

1.6.2. Transportation: .................................................................................3

1.7. Modes of Transportation: ........................................................................3

1.7.1. Roads: ..............................................................................................3

1.7.2. Rail: ..................................................................................................3

1.7.3. Water: ...............................................................................................3

1.7.4. Air: ...................................................................................................4

1.8. Types of Roads: ......................................................................................4

1.8.1. Metaled Roads: .................................................................................4

1.8.2. Highways: ........................................................................................4

1.8.3. Motorways:.......................................................................................4

1.9. Purpose of Study: ....................................................................................5

1.10. Objectives of the Study Report:...............................................................5

1.11. Methodology: .........................................................................................5

1.11.1. Primary data: ..................................................................................6

1.11.2. Secondary data:...............................................................................6

1.11.3. The preparation of questionnaire: ....................................................6

1.11.4. Selection of sampling method: ........................................................6

1.11.5. Primary data collection: ..................................................................7

1.11.6. Secondary data:...............................................................................7

ii

1.11.7. Processing and presentation of data: ................................................7

1.12. Problem and Limitations: ........................................................................7

Chapter 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 9 The Study Area: Rawalakot ................................................................................................................... 9

2.1. Study Area: .............................................................................................9

2.2. Location: ................................................................................................9

2.3. History: ................................................................................................. 11

2.4. Topography: ......................................................................................... 11

2.5. Climate: ................................................................................................ 13

2.6. Vegetation: ........................................................................................... 15

2.7. Fauna: ................................................................................................... 15

2.8. DEMOGRAPHY: ................................................................................. 15

2.9. Transport: ............................................................................................. 16

2.9.1. Travel route: ................................................................................... 16

2.9.2. Roads links: .................................................................................... 16

2.9.3. Air Transport: ................................................................................. 16

Chapter 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Road Types of Rawalakot AJ&K ......................................................................................................... 17

3.1. Roads:................................................................................................... 17

3.2. Road Types of Rawalakot AJ&K: ......................................................... 17

3.2.1. Metaled Roads: ............................................................................... 18

3.2.2. Fair Weather Roads: ....................................................................... 18

3.2.3. Jeep able Tracks: ............................................................................ 19

Chapter 4 .............................................................................................................................................. 20 Passenger / Traffic Flow of Public Transport Services ........................................................................ 20

4.1. Passenger / Traffic Flow: ...................................................................... 20

4.2. Passenger / Traffic Flow within Rawalakot City: .................................. 20

4.2.1. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Within City: ...................... 21

4.2.2. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving within City to Specific

Destinations: 22

4.2.3. Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City:................................. 23

4.3. Passenger / Traffic flow within Rawalakot District: .............................. 24

4.3.1. Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District: ............................ 27

4.3.2. Number and Types of Vehicles: ...................................................... 29

iii

4.4. Passenger Flow on Public Transport Services from Rawalakot to Other

District Of AJ&K: ...................................................................................................... 30

4.4.1. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Daily to Other Districts: .... 31

4.4.2. Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of

AJ&K: 31


4.5. Passenger Flow on Public Transport Services from Rawalakot to

Pakistan: 32

4.5.1. Vehicles Moving Daily from Rawalakot to Pakistan: ...................... 33

4.5.2. Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan:......................... 33


Chapter 5 .............................................................................................................................................. 36 Passenger Perception about Transport Services in Rawalakot............................................................ 36

5.1. Purpose of travel: .................................................................................. 36

5.2. Frequency of Travel According to Distance: ......................................... 38

5.3. Age Specific Groups of travelers:.......................................................... 39

5.4. Occupational Groups of Male Travelers: ............................................... 40

5.5. Occupational group of female travelers: ................................................ 41

5.6. Passenger Satisfaction Level: ................................................................ 42

5.7. Presence of traffic police system: .......................................................... 43

5.8. Need of Trained Drivers: ...................................................................... 44

5.9. Reason for uncomfortable journey: ....................................................... 45

5.10. Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey: .................................. 46

Chapter 6 .............................................................................................................................................. 48 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................. 48

iv

List of Tables, Figures and Maps

Figure1.1: Modes of Transport.........................................................................................4

Map2.1: Location Map of Rawalakot ............................................................................. 10

Picture 2.1: Rawalakot ................................................................................................... 11

Map 2.2: topography of Rawalakot District ................................................................... 12

Table2.1. Climate of Rawalakot ..................................................................................... 13

Figure2.‎1: Climate of Rawalakot ................................................................................... 14

Picture2.1: Seasons of Rawalakot .................................................................................. 14

Picture2.2: vegetation of Rawalakot ............................................................................... 15

Map 3.1: Road Map of Rawalakot District ..................................................................... 18

Table4.1: Number and Types of Vehicles Moving within Rawalakot City ..................... 21

Figure4.1: Vehicles Moving within the City .................................................................. 21

Table4.2: Vehicles Moving to Specific Destinations ...................................................... 22

Figure 4.2: Vehicles Moving to Specific Destinations .................................................... 23

Table4.3: Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City .......................................................... 23

Figure4.3: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City ............................................... 24

Table 4.4: Destinations within Rawalakot District ......................................................... 25

Map4.2: Important Destinations within Rawalakot District ............................................ 26

Table4.5: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District ............................................ 27

Figure4.2: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District ........................................... 28

Table4.6: Number and type of Vehicles Moving within Rawalakot District ................... 29

Figure4.3: Number and Type of Vehicles ...................................................................... 30

Table4.7: Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Daily to Other Districts .................... 31

Table4.8: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of AJ&K ... 31

Figure4.‎4: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of AJ&K .. 32

Table4.9: Number and Types of Vehicles ...................................................................... 32

Table4.10: Vehicles Moving Daily from Rawalakot to Pakistan..................................... 33

Table4.11: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan ....................................... 33

Figure‎4.5: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan ....................................... 34

Table4.12: Number and Types of Vehicles .................................................................... 34

Figure4.‎6: Number and Types of Vehicles ..................................................................... 35

Table5.1: Purpose of Travel ........................................................................................... 37

v

Figure5.1 & 5.2: Purpose of Travel ................................................................................ 37

Table5.2: Frequency of Travel According to Distance ................................................... 38

Figure5.3: Frequency of Travel According to Distance .................................................. 38

Table5.3: Age Specific Groups of travelers .................................................................... 39

Figure5.4: Age Specific Groups of travelers .................................................................. 39

Figure5.5: Categories of Travelers in Different Age Groups .......................................... 40

Table5.4: Occupational Groups of Male Travelers ......................................................... 40

Figure ‎5.6: Occupational Groups of Male Travelers ....................................................... 41

Table5.5. Occupational Group of Female Travelers ....................................................... 41

Figure 5.7: Occupational Group of Female Travelers ..................................................... 42

Table 5.6: Passenger Satisfaction Level ......................................................................... 42

Figure 5.8: Passenger Satisfaction Level ........................................................................ 43

Table 5.7: Presence of traffic police system ................................................................... 44

Table5.8: Need of Trained Drivers ................................................................................. 44

Figure 5.9: Need of Trained Drivers .............................................................................. 45

Table5.9: Reason for uncomfortable journey ................................................................. 45

Figure 5.10: Reason for uncomfortable journey ............................................................. 46

Table 5.10: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey ......................................... 47

Figure 5.11: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey ........................................ 47

of 50

Chapter 1

Transport Services

1.1. Introduction:

All the activities happening on the face of earth are interconnected and woven like

a spider web and humans are in the center of that web. The human life activities, from

subsistence to commercial, are a combination of the economic activities. An economic

activity is a set of actions that involve the production, distribution and consumption of

goods and services at all levels within a society. In all the three sets of action i.e.

production, distribution and consumption, movement of materials, raw or finished, and of

the people involved in all the three steps is required. These movements of people, goods

and information have always been fundamental components of human societies. These

movements are taking place since the establishment of human civilizations. In the ancient

sdays these were solely on foot, time passes on and animals became a mode of facilitating

these movements. Then came the invention of wheel and everything was revolutionized,

movements become much faster and specific modes of transportation came in to being.

Transportation can be defined as a system for moving goods and passengers from

one place to another. It can also be defined as the movement of people and commodities

from points of origin, over fixed routes, to the points of destination. These movements

generate spatial and temporal variations of temporary and or permanent nature; hence

become a part of geographic studies. These variations caused due to the mobility of

goods and human beings constitute the branch of geography known as Transportation

Geography or Geography of Transport.

of 50

1.2. Transportation Geography:

A branch of economic geography that studies the spatial distribution and pattern

of transportation, traffic flows, condition and characteristics of their development within

the framework of territorial economic structure of countries and region in relation to the

distribution of natural conditions, resources and population.

1.3. Transportation Services:

Material, man, machine etc. is shifting from one location point to another location

point is known as Transportation Service. It is of two types:

1.3.1. Public transport:

Buses, trains, and other forms of transport that are available to the public, charge

set fares, and run on fixed routes are known as public transport. There are several

different forms of public transportation services available to transport citizens from one

location to another whether it is within the city limits or over greater distances. Like

buses, various forms of train systems provide either short- or long-distance travel for

passengers.

1.3.2. Goods Transport:

Shifting of raw material from source to manufacturers and finished goods to

consumers comes under the domain of Goods transport. The modes of goods transport are

trucks, trains, cargo planes, helicopters, cargo ships, and pipelines.

1.4. Communication:

Transfer of information between people located at various geographical points is

known as communication.

of 50

1.5. Communication Networks:

A communication network is a set of devices (often referred to as nodes)

connected by communication links.

1.6. Types of Communication:

There are two types of communication:

1.6.1. Mass communication:

It includes postal services, telegraph, radio, television, fax, wireless, satellites, and

information technology.

1.6.2. Transportation:

Means by which people and goods are carried from one place to another are called

means of transportation.

1.7. Modes of Transportation:

There are four modes of transportation:

1.7.1. Roads:

A wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially

prepared surface which vehicles can use

1.7.2. Rail:

A track made of steel rails along which trains run.

1.7.3. Water:

Water transportation is the movement of cargo or passengers through or across

bodies of water. This can involve ships, ferries, cruise ships, submarines and other water-

borne crafts as they travel through oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways.

of 50

1.7.4. Air:

Movement of passengers and cargo by aircrafts such as air planes and helicopter

from one place to another is called air transport.

Figure1.1: Modes of Transport

1.8. Types of Roads:

There are following types of roads:

1.8.1. Metaled Roads:

Metaled Roads has a level surface made of small pieces of stone, used especially

of country roads and tracks.

1.8.2. Highways:

Highways interconnect the regional centers. They are the main arteries of trade

where the heavy traffic of goods and passengers takes place.

1.8.3. Motorways:

The motorways are designed to provide quick transport without traffic jams. As

such, they do not enter settlements, but circumvent them or go over them by over bridges.

Although there is no road crossing on a motorway, they are long roads.

of 50

1.9. Purpose of Study:

Survey report was conducted from 21st to 25

th of June 2014, by students of M.Sc.

Geography final year in the city of Rawalakot. The purpose of this survey was to study

different aspects of transportation in this particular area.

1.10. Objectives of the Study Report:

Objectives are as under:

First and major objective this report is to train the students for collecting,

presenting and analyzing the collected information.

Secondly, to create the sense of independence and co-ordination among

the students and make them able to work independently in every field of

life.

To provide practical opportunities to the students to apply the knowledge

achieved in the course of study for various aspects of life.

To know about the area and its connectivity to other areas.

To rise the research abilities in students.

To improve the writing skills and use of latest technologies and methods

for research work.

1.11. Methodology:

Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a

field of study.

Methodology is the name given to set of rules and regulation applied to research

work to obtain information.

of 50

1.11.1. Primary data:

Data that have been originally collected and have not undergone any sort of

statistical treatment, are called primary data.

1.11.2. Secondary data:

Data that have been collected, for certain purpose, are called secondary data. The

methodology used for conduct of survey involved following steps:

The preparation of the questionnaire.

The selection of appropriate sampling method.

Primary data collection.

Secondary data collection.

Processing and presentation of data.

Analysis of data, identification of problems and suggestions or remedies.

1.11.3. The preparation of questionnaire:

Two questionnaires were designed for collection of different kinds of information:

First questionnaire was prepared to study the origin and destination of vehicles and

passengers, and to calculate the traffic and passenger flow within the city of Rawalakot,

the city and its surroundings, inter-district, intra-district and from Rawalakot to different

destinations in Pakistan. Second Questionnaire was specifically designed to obtain the

general opinion of passengers and to infer their perception about the transportation

facilities.

1.11.4. Selection of sampling method:

Sampling method was adopted for collection of information. As the survey is

conducted in two parts so the information regarding public transport service was

of 50

collected from all points of origin of transport services. Sampling method was adopted

for‎ the‎ second‎ part‎ regarding‎ passenger’s‎ opinion.‎ Data‎ was‎ collected randomly by

surveyor.

1.11.5. Primary data collection:

Primary data was collected through questionnaire and dialogue with the

transporters and passengers.

1.11.6. Secondary data:

Secondary data was collected from secondary and published sources.

1.11.7. Processing and presentation of data:

The raw data was compiled, tabulated, analyzed and represented by statistical

diagrams and maps to conclude results and present them in the form of a report to achieve

the objectives of this survey project.

1.12. Problem and Limitations:

People of Rawalakot were co-operative and hospitable but obtaining information

from them was a challenge for us. We faced following problems:

Linguistic problem was the major hurdle that we faced during the collection of

information.

Although we asked close ended questions people gave open ended answer which

caused difficulty for us to choose the accurate option of their choice.

Some people were feeling shy to dialogue with us.

Mostly people took us as high officials, therefore; whenever we went to them,

they tried to describe their personal problems.

We faced residential problem during the stay of five days in Rawalakot.

of 50

Weather of Rawalakot also caused little problems

of 50

Chapter 2

The Study Area: Rawalakot

2.1. Study Area:

The area that we selected to conduct the study for compiling this report was

Rawalakot city. Rawalakot is a town in Azad Kashmir, and is the district headquarters of

Poonch Division and Poonch District. It is in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills. This

area was selected because it is the main hub of almost all the economic activity in this

region and almost all roads that connect it to other areas pass through Rawalakot. An

interesting feature of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is that it is stretched from North to South

in a narrow strip and all the districts are piled one upon other in such a fashion that a

whole district fits in the width of the region. Rawalakot in this arrangement of the

districts is situated in the center of the region and if one has to move from North to south

or vice versa must have to pass through Rawalakot. This arrangement makes it a very

important transport node in this region. The other purpose of its selection was the

diversity and conspicuous nature of its roads network that attracted us. Roads network of

Rawalakot is a typical mountainous road network, narrow roads winding in the valleys

along the mountain slopes taking narrow hairpin turns are connecting most of the hilly

settlements of the region providing them with a mode of mobility and transport.

2.2. Location:

Rawalakot is located at Latitude 33°51'32.18"N, Longitude 73° 45'34.93"E and

an Elevation of 5374 feet. Rawalakot is approximately 76 kilometers (47 mi) from

Kohala, Pakistan and about 120 km (75 mi) from the city of Rawalpindi. It is linked with

Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Goyain Nala and Tain Dhalkot roads Via Kahuta and Kotli

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longitude

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohala,_Pakistan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rawalpindi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabad

of 50

Satiyan respectively. It is also linked with Rawalpindi via Sudhnuti. Total area of

Rawalakot is 1,010 km2 (390 sq. mi).

Map2.1: Location Map of Rawalakot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudhnuti

of 50

Picture 2.1: Rawalakot

2.3. History:

District Rawalakot or named as Poonch (or Punch) popularly known as mini

Kashmir takes its name from the city of Rawalakot – the headquarters of the Raja of

Poonch before 1947, which is now in the occupied part of the state of Jammu and

Kashmir. The present headquarters of the district is Rawalakot city.

2.4. Topography:

The mountains and hills dominate the topography of the whole Kashmir. General

relief of Rawalakot is also dominated by the mountainous terrain surrounding the city of

Rawalakot which is situated in the middle of a saucer shaped valley. Maximum height

around Rawalakot is about 2100 meters above the mean sea level the highest peak in the

region is Tolipeer situated in the North East of Rawalakot.

of 50

Map 2.2: topography of Rawalakot District

of 50

2.5. Climate:

Rawalakot features a subtropical highland climate (Cwa) under the Köppen

climate classification due to high altitude. Rawalakot has mild to warm temperatures

during the spring and autumn, humid temperatures during summer and cold to snowy

during the winter. The temperature can rise as high as 38 °C (100 °F) during the mid-

summer‎months‎and‎drop‎below‎−3 °C (27 °F) during the winter months. Snowfall can

occur in December and January, while most rainfall occurs during the monsoon season

stretching from July to September.

Table2.1. Climate of Rawalakot

Month Temperature Record Low

Temp Rain fall

January 25.6 -2.6 24.9

February 32.9 0 30.8

March 34.4 2.8 31.2

April 41 3.3 20.1

May 45 10 14.4

June 46.6 13 44.1

July 43.2 12 112.8

August 40 12.7 136.3

September 39.4 13 43.8

October 39.9 1.9 15.7

November 33.3 0 14.5

December 28.9 -3.3 19.1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtropical_highland_climate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celsius

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahrenheit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celsius

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahrenheit

of 50

Figure2.‎01: Climate of Rawalakot

Picture2.1: Seasons of Rawalakot

-20

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Climate of Rawalakot

Temperature Record Low Temp Rain fall

of 50

Quite a contrast between the seasons exists in Rawalakot, winters can be snowy

and summers and springs are quite green and pleasant.

2.6. Vegetation:

A variety of vegetation is found in Jandali, although vegetation cover is not so

thick. The main vegetation belongs to Sub-Tropical Pine. Also white Oak is found in this

area. The shrubs vegetation also dominates.

Picture2.2: vegetation of Rawalakot

2.7. Fauna:

Fauna is not rich because there is no thick vegetation cover and population of its

area has cut down the forest. Many species of birds are recorded. In mammals Jackals

and Porcupines are quite common.

2.8. DEMOGRAPHY:

According to the census of 1998 the population of area was 371,000 and density

was 970 per square miles. Current estimates show that about 500,000 is the population of

Rawalakot District now.

of 50

2.9. Transport:

2.9.1. Travel route:

Construction of the Ghazi-i-Millat road (also known as Guoien Nalla road)

between Rawalakot and Azad Pattan has considerably reduced travel times; it is main

road which is connecting Islamabad/Rawalpindi with Rawalakot city. A bus across the

LOC, the Poonch-Rawalakot bus has helped to re-establish ties across the border.

2.9.2. Roads links:

The road passing through Jalooth-Paniola connects Rawalakot to Bagh and

Muzaffarabad. The other road that passes through Mohri Farman Shah, Shuja Abad is the

shortest possible road link that connects Rawalakot city with Bagh. Murree, Islamabad

and Rawalpindi are in a southward direction from Rawalakot. The town has another road

link with Kotli through Hajeera.

2.9.3. Air Transport:

Rawalakot Airport is non-operational, as there is no demand for the air service

provided by Pakistan International Airlines. The airport has been closed since 1998.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azad_Pattan


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poonch

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagh,_Kashmir

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzaffarabad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murree

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotli

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rawalakot_Airport

of 50

Chapter 3

Road Types of Rawalakot AJ&K

3.1. Roads:

A road is a route, or way on land between two places, which has been paved or

otherwise improved to allow travel by some conveyance, such as a horse, cart, or motor

vehicles. Roads consist of one, or sometimes two, roadways. Roads that are available for

use by the public may be referred to as public roads or highways.

3.2. Road Types of Rawalakot AJ&K:

The following data which is shown in table about types of roads in Rawalakot was

provided by the Rawalakot Highway Department:

According to this data total length of all types of roads in Rawalakot District is

2118 Km. total area of the district is 1010 Sq. Km. hence the road density of Rawalakot

District is 2.1 Km / Sq. Km area of the district.

Type of Road

Total

length

(km)

Road Density

(Km. /Sq.

Km.)

Width of

Road

Meters

Constructed by

Metaled road 891 .882 4 PWD A J & K

Fair weather road 1127 1.12 3 PWD A J & K

Jeep able road 100 .099 3 Local Government Rawalakot

of 50

Map 3.1: Road Map of Rawalakot District

3.2.1. Metaled Roads:

Most of the main roads connecting Rawalakot with other main settlements of

Poonch (Rawalakot) district are of the class of metaled roads. According to the data

provided by the Highway circle Rawalakot total length of metaled roads is 891

Kilometers. Most of these roads are 4 meters wide. Road density in this class is .882

Kilometers for every Square kilometer area of the district.

3.2.2. Fair Weather Roads:

Fair weather roads are those roads which are operable only during the fair weather

conditions. All the peripheral settlements which are scattered throughout the hilly terrain

of the district are connected to the main settlements through the fair weather roads. The

of 50

only problem with these roads is that during the snowy winters and rainy months

traveling on these roads becomes extremely difficult. According to the data provided by

the high way circle Rawalakot length of the fair weather roads is 1127 Kilometers. Road

density of this class of roads is 1.12 kilometers for every Square kilometer area of the

district. Roads of this class are 3 to 4 meters in width.

3.2.3. Jeep able Tracks:

Rawalakot is a mountainous district and settlements are scattered on the hill

slopes as is the case of typical mountainous areas. Most of the settlements are scattered

type with houses spread over a larger area. Most of the houses are connected to the roads

through foot tracks, but if a certain number of houses are placed close enough than the

district government and private donor agencies collectively manage a narrow stony track

to connect that settlement to a link road. In most of the cases only jeeps or four wheel

vehicles can travel on these roads. These roads are called jeep able tracks, according to

the Data provided by the Roads department length of these roads is amazingly short.

Only 100 kilometer of jeep able tracks are present in the district with a width of less than

3 meters and density of jeep able tracks is .099 Kilometer for every square kilometer of

the area of the district.

Rawalakot district has shown a considerable development in the roads

infrastructure post 2005 earth quake. According to the 1998 census there were only 622

kilometers of roads out of which 322 Km were metaled and 300 kilometers un metaled

roads. Before 2005 earth quake there were 770.39 kilometers of roads of different types.

Now in 2014 there are about 2118 kilometers of different types of roads, most of which

are constructed in the post-earth quake reconstruction activities after 2005.

of 50

Chapter 4

Passenger / Traffic Flow of Public Transport Services

The most important function of any road networks is to facilitate the passenger

and traffic flows. The efficient the network better is the flow of passengers and traffic.

Road networks can be built for specific purposes some are the carriage ways to facilitate

the heavier goods transport only while others are solely meant for passenger mobility.

There are road networks which are used for both passenger and good transport

movements. In the current study our focus is only passenger and traffic flows.

4.1. Passenger / Traffic Flow:

The passenger and traffic flow of public transportation services in Rawalakot can

be categorized as follows;

Passenger / Traffic flow within Rawalakot city.

Passenger / Traffic flow within Rawalakot district.

Passenger / Traffic flow from Rawalakot to other districts of AJ&K.

Passenger / Traffic flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan.

Passenger flows has been calculated using the following formula;

Passenger Flow = No. of Vehicles X Seating Capacity of Vehicle X Daily Trips

4.2. Passenger / Traffic Flow within Rawalakot City:

Rawalakot city has an area of about 50 square kilometer. It is also the district

headquarter housing all the important government offices, hospitals, educational

institutions, hotels and shopping centers. To meet their daily life needs hundreds of

of 50

passenger travel daily within this city. The survey team selected almost all the important

destinations in different directions with in the city to calculate the flow of passengers and

traffic. .

4.2.1. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Within City:

The number and types of vehicles available for travelling within the Rawalakot

city are listed in the following table;

Table4.1: Number and Types of Vehicles Moving within Rawalakot City

From the above table it is clear that Suzuki vans with percentage of 87.76 are

dominant source of movement within the city followed by jeep and Hiace. The reason

might be the distance and small number of passengers who travel around in the city for

daily life routine.

Figure4.1: Vehicles Moving within the City

Suzuki

88%

Hiace

1% Jeep

11%

Vehicles Moving Within the City

Suzuki Hiace Jeep

Types of vehicles Seating capacity No. of vehicles Percentage

Suzuki 12 165 87.76

Hiace 18 3 1.59

Jeep 10 20 10.65

Total 188 100

of 50

4.2.2. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving within City to Specific Destinations:

The following table shows the number and type of vehicles moving to specific

destination within Rawalakot city.

Table4.2: Vehicles Moving to Specific Destinations

The above table shows that a total of 188 vehicles provide services of passenger

movement within the city and Suzuki van is the dominant source of movement. About

165 Suzuki vans move around in the city providing services up to a distance of 7

kilometers. Maximum number of Suzuki vans (80) made two trips daily to Chek Bazar

which is a popular destination due to the residential scheme area, presence of University

campuses and certain Government offices.

Destination Distance

Km

Fare

Rs.

No Of

Vehicles

Types Of Vehicles Trips / Day

Suzuki Hiace Jeep Suzuki Hiace Jeep

Thandi Kassi 3 20 30 30 0 0 2 0 0

Kharik 4 20 35 35 0 0 2 0 0

Moti al Maira 4 30 40 20 0 20 2 0 1

Chek Bazar 7 25 80 80 0 0 2 0 0

Gali Bazar 8 30 3 0 3 0 0 1 0

Total 188 165 3 20

of 50

Figure 4.2: Vehicles Moving to Specific Destinations

4.2.3. Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City:

Following table shows the passenger flow to and from different destinations

within Rawalakot city area. Passenger flow was calculated using the following formula:

Passenger Flow = No. of Vehicles X Seating Capacity of Vehicle X Daily Trips

Table4.3: Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City

Destination Distanc

e Km

No Of

Vehicles

Estimated No. Of

Passengers Percentage

Thandi Kassi 3 30 1440 17.42

Moti Al Maira 4 40 1200 14.51

Kharik 4 35 1680 20.32

Chek Bazar 7 80 3840 46.44

Gali Bazar 8 3 108 1.31

Total 188 8268 100

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Thandi Kassi Kharik Moti al Maira Check Bazar Gali Bazar

Num

ber

of

Veh

icle

s

Destinations

Vehicles Moving Within City

Suzuki Hiace Jeep

of 50

Figure4.3: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot City

Above table and diagram shows the passenger movement to and from the

destinations within the city of Rawalakot. Thandi Kassi is the nearest and Gali Bazar the

farthest of the destination. Chek Bazar appears to be the most popular destination with

46.44 % of the daily travelers moving from or through Rawalakot due to the reasons

already mentioned above

4.3. Passenger / Traffic flow within Rawalakot District:

The detail of number and types of vehicles moving to specific destinations within

Rawalakot district is shown in the following table:

17.42

14.51

20.32

46.44

1.31 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Thandi Kassi Motial Maira Kharik Chek Bazar Gali Bazar

Per

cen

tage

of

Pas

sen

ger

Movem

ent

Destinations within the city area

Percentage of Total Passenger Movement

Distance Km Percentage of Passengers

of 50

Table 4.4: Destinations within Rawalakot District


Km

Fare

Rs.

No Of

Vehicles


Hiace Jeep/Ford Hiace Jeep/Ford

Topa 10 40 20 0 20 0 3

Datot 10 70 23 23 0 1 0

Shujahabad 12 50 10 10 0 1 0

Naka bazar 12 40 8 8 0 1 0

Sangola 13 55 16 16 0 1 0

Damni 15 40 12 12 0 2 0

Horna mera 15 60 19 19 0 1 0

Khaigala 17 40 15 0 15 0 3

Panioula 17 60 40 40 0 1 0

Koutaira Dohongli 20 70 6 6 0 1 0

Harola 20 70 8 8 0 1 0

Bun Behak 20 100 10 10 0 1 0

Jandali 20 80 12 12 0 2 0

Chotagala 20 60 22 0 22 0 1

Dheri 20 60 22 22 0 1 0

Bairi 23 70 6 0 6 0 1

Sanjhot 23 70 14 0 14 0 1

Hajeera 24 80 30 15 15 2 2

Khara Butt 25 80 4 4 0 1 0

Ali Sojal 25 130 2 2 0 1 0

Chitra Topi 30 100 10 10 0 1 0

Thorar 30 80 13 13 0 1 0

Irja 30 100 50 50 0 1 0

Galla Mali Khan 30 100 9 9 0 1 0

Numble 35 100 12 12 0 1 0

Mang 35 100 3 3 0 1 0

Tian Dhalkot 35 130 4 3 1 1 1

Tararkhal 40 120 10 0 10 0 1

Abbaspur 74 180 15 15 0 1 0

of 50

Map4.2: Important Destinations within Rawalakot District

of 50

4.3.1. Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District:

Following table shows the estimated passenger flow with in the Rawalakot

District to important destinations.

Table4.5: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District

Destination Distance In Km No Of Vehicles Estimated No. Of passengers percentage

Topa 10 20 1680 9.2

Datot 10 23 828 4.5

Shujahabad 12 10 360 1.95

Naka bazar 12 8 288 1.55

Sangola 13 16 576 3.15

Damni 15 12 864 4.7

Horna mera 15 19 684 3.75

Khaigala 17 15 1260 6.9

Panioula 17 40 1440 7.88

Koutaira Dohongli 20 6 216 1.15

Haroli 20 8 288 1.55

Bun bag 20 10 360 1.95

Jandali 20 12 864 4.7

Chotagala 20 22 616 3.35

Dheri 20 22 792 4.33

Bairi 23 6 168 0.95

Sanjhot 23 14 392 2.15

Hajeera 24 30 1920 10.5

Khara Butt 25 4 144 0.75

Ali Sojal 25 2 72 0.4

Chitra Topi 30 10 360 1.95

Thorar 30 13 468 2.55

Irja 30 50 1800 9.85

Galla Mali Khan 30 9 324 1.77

Numble 35 12 432 2.35

Mang 35 3 108 0.6

Tian Dhalkot 35 4 128 0.7

Tararkhal 40 10 280 1.5

Abbaspur 74 15 540 2.95

Total 18252 100

of 50

According to table 4.5 an estimated number of about 18252 passengers move

daily within the Rawalakot district using different modes of public transport services.

From this table it is clear that the average distance of all the destination point from

Rawalakot, the point of origin, ranges from 10 Km to 40 Km with the only exception of

Abbaspur which lies at a distance of 74 Kilometers.

Figure4.2: Daily Passenger Flow within Rawalakot District

No direct correlation between the distance from point of origin and the passenger

flow can be indicated in this graph. The reason might be the nature of the terrain over

which the passenger flow is taking place. It is a mountainous area and certain destinations

are more important than others, it can be seen that the destinations located within a radius

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

To

pa

Dat

ot

Sh

uja

hab

ad

Nak

a b

azar

San

go

la

Dam

ni

Ho

rna

mer

a

Kh

aig

ala

Pan

iou

la

Ko

uta

ira

Do

ho

ngli

Har

ola

Bu

n b

ag

Jan

dal

i

Ch

ota

gal

a

Dh

eri

Bai

ri

San

jho

t

Haj

eera

Kh

ara

Bu

tt

Ali

So

jal

Ch

itra

To

pi

Th

ora

r

Irja

Gal

la M

ali

Kh

an

Nu

mb

le

Man

g

Tia

n D

hal

kot

Tar

ark

hal

Ab

bas

pu

r

Dis

tan

ce in

Km

s an

d P

erce

nta

ge

of

Pas

sen

ger

Flo

w

Important Destinations

Passenger Flow According to Distance from Point of Origin

percentage Distance In Km

of 50

of 20 kilometers are showing more mobility and collectively maximum share of

passenger flow is shared by the destinations within a distance of 20 kilometers. With the

increasing distance the share of passenger flow declines except for 2 locations Hajeera

and Irja for the quite obvious reason that these are the nodal points for traveling to

southern and northern districts respectively.

4.3.2. Number and Types of Vehicles:

Rawalakot district has an area of 1010 Sq. Km. Hundreds of passengers move

daily by public transport within district. The detail is following. The number and types of

vehicles for movement within the district are listed in the following table;

Table4.6: Number and type of Vehicles Moving within Rawalakot District

Type of vehicles Seating capacity No. of vehicles Percentage

Hiace 18 341 78.29

Ford 14 103 21.71

Total 444 100

The above table revels that two types of vehicles are popular source of travelling

with in the district. Ford wagon / jeep are used mostly for shorter distances and Hiace van

is used for comparatively longer distances. Out of the total vehicles used to travel within

the district 78.29 % are Hiace vans and the rest are Ford Wagons and jeeps.

of 50

Figure4.3: Number and Type of Vehicles


Other District Of AJ&K:

Azad Jammu Kashmir state occupies an area of 13297 square kilometer and is

divided in to 8 districts. Different functions of the state are located in different districts.

Muzaffarabad is the state capital supreme court and other central offices are seated in

Muzaffarabad, Education Board is located in Mirpur similarly campuses of University of

Azad Jammu & Kashmir are also located in different districts. Similarly relations might

have been spread all over the state so people have to move from one district to other.

It looks strange that from Rawalakot district direct transportation to only three

districts Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Kotli is available, to move to other districts specially to

southern ones people of Rawalakot first move to either Rawalpindi or to Kotli and then to

other districts. Reasons are quite obvious long mountain journey consumes much time

and energy hence becomes tiring, so people prefer break journey to save time and energy.

Hiace

78.29%

Ford

21.71%

Number of vehicles

Hiace Ford

of 50

4.4.1. Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Daily to Other Districts:

The detail of number and types of vehicles moving to specific destinations from

Rawalakot to other districts of AJK is shown in the following table.

Table4.7: Number and Types of Vehicles Moving Daily to Other Districts


Km

Fare

Rs.

No Of

Vehicles

Types Of

Vehicles Trips / Day

Coach Hiace Coach Hiace

Bagh 40 120 29 0 29 0 1

Kotli 105 230 2 2 0 1 0

Muzaffarabad 110 260 15 0 15 0 1

4.4.2. Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of AJ&K:

Passenger flow can be estimated by multiplying number and types of vehicles

with their seating capacity and trips per day.

Table4.8: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of AJ&K


Km

No Of

Vehicles

Estimated No. Of

passengers Percentage

Bagh 40 29 1044 60.55

Kotli 105 2 140 8.1

Muzaffarabad 110 15 540 31.35

Total 46 1724 100

According to above table about 1724 persons move daily on 46 vehicles of public

transport system from Rawalakot district to other district of AJK. 60.55% passengers

move between Bagh and Rawalakot, 8.1% between Kotli and Rawalakot and 31.35 %

between Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.

of 50

Figure4.‎04: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot District to Other Districts of AJ&K


Two types of vehicles are used for movement between Rawalakot and other

districts. 18 seater Hiace van is the most popular source of travelling.

Table4.9: Number and Types of Vehicles

Types of vehicles Seating capacity No. of vehicles percentage

Coach 34 2 4.35

Hiace 18 44 95.65

Total 46 100


Pakistan:

Located at a short distance and emerging as an alternative tourist attraction for the

people of Pakistan at the same time a large number of Rawalakot people possess houses

and businesses in Rawalpindi, Rawalakot has become a popular traveling route. Due to

construction of the Ghazi-i-Millat road (also known as Guoien Nalla road ) between

60.55

8.1

31.35

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Bagh Kotli Muzaffarabad

Dis

tan

ce in

Kil

om

eter

s

Destinations

Distance and Passenger Flow

Distance Km % Passenger Flow

of 50

Rawalakot and Azad Pattan has considerably reduced travel times and make easy to

move one place to another, it is main road which is connecting Islamabad/Rawalpindi

with Rawalakot city. This road is also used for travelling to other parts of Pakistan

through Rawalpindi.

4.5.1. Vehicles Moving Daily from Rawalakot to Pakistan:

The details of vehicles which are moving daily from Rawalakot to Pakistan are as

under.

Table4.10: Vehicles Moving Daily from Rawalakot to Pakistan

4.5.2. Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan:

We can estimate the passenger flow by multiplying numbers and types of vehicle

with their seating capacity and with trips per day.

Table4.11: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan

From the above table, it is estimated that about 3698 passenger move daily

between Rawalakot to Pakistan. Out of these passengers 87.95 percent move to between

Rawalpindi and Rawalakot and only 12.05 percent between Rawalakot and Lahore.


Km

Fare

Rs

No Of

Vehicles


Coaster Hiace Bus Coaster Hiace Bus

Rawalpindi 105 250 65 15 40 10 1 1 1

Lahore 410 650 2 2 0 0 0 0 1


Km No. Of Vehicles

Estimated No. of

passenger percentage

Rawalpindi 105 65 3490 87.95

Lahore 410 2 208 12.05

Total 67 3698 100

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azad_Pattan


of 50

Figure 04.5: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan


The number and types of vehicles available for movement from Rawalakot to

Pakistan are listed in the following table.

Table4.12: Number and Types of Vehicles

Three type of vehicles move between Rawalakot and destinations in Pakistan

namely Rawalpindi and Lahore. Hiace van being the most popular and swift mode of

travelling occupies 60% of the share, 22.38 percent goes to coasters and only 18 percent

to larger buses.

87.95

12.05

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Rawalpindi Lahore

Dis

tan

ce in

Km

Destinations in Pakistan

Distance & Passenger Flow

Distance Km % Passenger Flow

Types of vehicles Seating capacity No. of vehicles Percentage

Coaster 34 15 22.38

Hiace 18 40 59.70

Bus 52 12 17.92

Total 67 100

of 50

Figure4.‎06: Number and Types of Vehicles

22.38%

59.7%

17.92%

Types of Vehicles Moving Between Rawalakot and

Pakistan

Coaster Hiace Bus

of 50

Chapter 5

Passenger Perception about Transport Services in

Rawalakot

The second part of the survey comprised of passengers opinion and perception

about travelling conditions. Passenger’s‎ opinion‎ or‎ perception‎ is‎ the‎ most‎ important‎

factor to rate a journey pleasant or rough.

Question of this part of this survey were asked from passengers through a direct

dialogue between the passengers and the members of survey team. These questions are as

following:

Purpose of travel

Frequency of travel according to distance

Occupational groups of male travelers

Occupational groups of female travelers

Passengers satisfaction level

Traffic police system

Need of training of driver

Reasons of uncomfortable / unpleasant journey

Suggestions for comfortable / pleasant and secure journey

5.1. Purpose of travel:

Most of the journeys are conducted for one or other purpose, Table shows the

frequency of travel and number of passenger with the purpose of travel. Most of the daily

of 50

travelers are students and employee with the percentage of 15 and 23 respectively.

Weekly travelers travel for leisure and shopping. Monthly travelers travel for sake of

health facilities and meeting with the relatives. Occasional travelers mostly travel for

leisure, health facilities, shopping and meeting with the relatives.

Table5.1: Purpose of Travel

Frequency of

Travel

Number Of

Passengers Hospital Leisure Students Meeting Jobs Shopping

Daily 38 0 0 15 0 23 0

Weekly 9 0 5 0 2 0 2

Monthly 18 5 5 0 7 0 1

Occasionally 35 6 10 5 5 3 6

Figure5.1 & 5.2: Purpose of Travel

0

5

10

15

20

25

Medical Leisure Education Meeting Jobs Shoping

Nu

mber

of

Tra

vel

rs

Purpose of Travel

Daily Weekly Monthly Occassionaly

0

5

10

15

20

25

Daily Weekly Monthly Occassionaly

Num

ber

of

Tra

vel

rs

Purpose Specific Frequency of Travel

Medical Leisure Education Meeting Jobs Shoping

of 50

5.2. Frequency of Travel According to Distance:

Not all the travelers travel equal distances. Daily travelers usually travel short

distances frequently, out of our respondents, 12 were daily and only 4 were occasional

travelers of a distance less than 5 kilometers. As the distance increases frequency of

travel decreases as we can observe that travel frequency for the distance of 5-10

kilometers is almost evenly divided among the frequency groups, but for the distances of

11-16 and more <16 kilometers occasional travelers are greater in number compared to

daily and weekly travelers.

Table5.2: Frequency of Travel According to Distance

Distance Travelled (Km)

Frequency Of Travel > 5 5_10 11_16 <16

Daily 12 6 5 15

Weekly 0 4 5 0

Monthly 0 4 4 10

Occasionally 4 6 12 13

Figure5.3: Frequency of Travel According to Distance

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

> 5 5_10 11_16 <16

Distance travelled in Kilometers

Num

ber

of

Pas

sen

ger

s

Frequency of Travel according to Distance

Daily Weekly Monthly Occasionally

of 50

5.3. Age Specific Groups of travelers:

As the data was collected from randomly selected respondents through

direct dialogue it was found out that the respondents belong to different age and

occupational groups as well. Initially the whole lot of respondents was analyzed

according to age groups and their respective occupational groups. Following table shows

that most of the respondents belong to the age group of 16 to 35 years old in all the

occupational categories except retired. Maximum travelers were students who use to

travel to and from Rawalakot for education on daily basis. The data of respondents was

then broken down on the gender basis to analyze that how many women travelers are

travelling on the public transport system to participate in the daily life and economic

activities of the region.

Table5.3: Age Specific Groups of travelers

Male/Female Age

Group Business

Govt.

Employee Labor Student Housewife Retired

66 16-35 4 10 15 27 10 0

28 36-55 3 12 6 0 7 0

6 56-75 0 0 0 0 2 4

Figure5.4: Age Specific Groups of travelers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

16-35 36-55 56-75

Age Specific Categories of Travelers

Business Men Govt Employees Labour Student Housewife Retired

of 50

Figure5.5: Categories of Travelers in Different Age Groups

5.4. Occupational Groups of Male Travelers:

To‎conduct‎a‎gender‎based‎analysis‎of‎the‎traveler’s,‎data‎was‎divided‎in‎to‎male‎

and female respondent categories and following results emerged. In 16-35 age group

male are mostly labors and students, in age group from 36-55 males are mostly

government employee and labors and in age group from 56-75 males are mostly retired

government employees

Table5.4: Occupational Groups of Male Travelers

Male Age

Group Business

Government

Employee Labor Students Retired

36 16_35 4 5 15 12 0

19 36_55 3 10 6 0 0

4 56_75 0 0 0 0 4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Business

Men

Govt.

Employees

Labour Student Housewife Retired

Num

ber

of

Tra

vel

ers

Categories of Travelrs

Categories of Travelers in Different Age Groups

16-35

36-55

56-75

of 50

Figure ‎05.6: Occupational Groups of Male Travelers

5.5. Occupational group of female travelers:

Table shows that in age group from 16-35 females are students and housewives,

in the age group from 36-55 females are housewives and government employee and in

age group from 56-75 females are mostly housewives travelling for shopping and daily

life routine activities

Table5.5. Occupational Group of Female Travelers

Female Age

Group Business

Government

Employee Student Housewife Retired

30 16_35 0 5 15 10 0

9 36_55 0 2 0 7 0

2 56_75 0 0 0 2 0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

16_35 36_55 56_75

36 19 4

Num

ber

of

Mal

e P

asse

nger

s

Age groups and Number of Passengers in each group

Occupational Groups of Male Travelers

Business Govt Employee Labour Students Retired

of 50

Figure 5.7: Occupational Group of Female Travelers

5.6. Passenger Satisfaction Level:

The‎most‎ important‎ aspect‎ of‎ any‎ journey‎ is‎ the‎ passenger’s‎ perception‎

about the travel. If a traveler is satisfied with the traveling conditions he or she will travel

more frequently using the same mode and rout of transport and vice versa if not satisfied.

To judge the perception of the travelers about their experiences of the journey their

responses were recorded about their satisfaction level about different aspects of the

traveling conditions.

Table 5.6: Passenger Satisfaction Level

Passengers Satisfaction yes No Don't Know To Some Extent

Roads 7 62 8 23

Vehicles 32 30 8 30

Security 55 15 17 13

Overall Travelling Facilities 17 20 17 46

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

16_35 36_55 56_75

30 9 2

Nu

mber

of

Fem

ale

Pas

sen

ger

s

Age Groups and Number of Passengers in wach Group

Occupational Groups of Female Travellers

Business Govt Employee Student Housewife Retired

of 50

Figure 5.8: Passenger Satisfaction Level

A mixed response was received a major number of respondents were not

satisfied with the conditions of roads which reflects an overall degradation and lack of

maintenance of the road networks. At the average most of the respondents have a mixed

response about the vehicle conditions, most of the respondents were satisfied with the

security conditions and feel no hesitation to travel at any time of the day. A majority of

travelers were satisfied with overall travelling conditions not fully but to some extent. No

major complaints were found on the behalf of respondents.

5.7. Presence of traffic police system:

From the following table it is concluded that majority of passenger 74% know

that traffic police system exists in Rawalakot, but the main question was about the

establishment of this system on the highways outside the city limits. Most of the travelers

accepted the idea.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Roads Vehicles Security Overall Travelling

Facilities

Num

ber

of

Pas

sen

ger

s

Passenger Satisfaction Level

yes No Don't Know To Some Extent

of 50

Table 5.7: Presence of traffic police system

Opinion Percentage

Yes 74

Don’t‎know‎ 16

No 10

5.8. Need of Trained Drivers:

The most important component of a journey is the driver. In most of the

road accident cases an untrained driver is mainly the cause of accident. To know about

the perception of travelers traveling in very difficult hilly terrain about the driving

standards, the question was asked about the need of trained drivers to drive the vehicles.

91 % of the passengers felt that drivers should be trained according to the road terrain

conditions. 6 % passengers replied that there is no need of training for drivers of this area

because they are drivers by birth. Anyhow trained and properly licensed drivers are a

must for road safety.

Table5.8: Need of Trained Drivers

Opinion Percentage

Yes 91

No need 6

Don’t‎know 3

of 50

Figure 5.9: Need of Trained Drivers

5.9. Reason for uncomfortable journey:

When passengers were asked that what are the reasons based upon which

you rank your journey pleasant or unpleasant. 68% respondents accused the bad road

conditions responsible for an unpleasant and unsafe journey. Vehicles are fit and

satisfactory only 14% of the passengers complained about the vehicles, 6% passengers

thought that law and order conditions may render your journey unpleasant. 12 %

passengers accused the behavior of the transporters as the main cause of unpleasant

journey.

Table5.9: Reason for uncomfortable journey

Reasons Percentage

Bad roads 68

Old Vehicles 14

Law & Order 6

Behavior of Transporters 12

91%

6%

3%

Need of Trained Drivers

Yes No need Don’t‎know

of 50

Figure 5.10: Reason for uncomfortable journey

5.10. Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey:

At the end of the dialogue travelers were asked to give their suggestions

that how the journey in this area can be made more safe, comfortable and pleasant. 83 %

passengers suggested that by properly maintaining the roads and making their conditions

better, by constructing the safety railings along the steep hilly patches of the roads the

journey can be turned in to a very pleasant experience. 7 % passengers thought that

presence of highway police would be helpful, 9 % were in favor of a systematic

transportation system and only 1 % passengers were worried about the speed limit,

although in this area most of the drivers are ruthlessly careless about the speed limits,

which is one of the major causes of fatal road accidents in this region.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Bad roads Old Vehicles Law & Order Behavior of

Transporters

Per

cen

tage

of

Pas

sen

ger

s

Reasons of Unpleasent Journey

Reasons of Unpleasent Journey

of 50

Table 5.10: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey

Suggestions Percentage

Better Roads 83

Presence Of Traffic Police 7

Transportation System 9

Speed Limit 1

s

Figure 5.11: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey

Suggestions For Comfortable and Secure Journey

Better Roads

Presence Of Traffic Police

Transportation System

Speed Limit

of 50

Chapter 6

Conclusion

The work on this field report has completed and all the objectives according to the

purpose of this study achieved. The main purpose of the study was the training of the

students of M.Sc. Geography to apply the skills we have learned in the class room in to

the real life drama. To interact with the practicalities of the field work and to tackle the

hurdles and limitations which one might face during such surveys directly dealing with

the public about the public problems.

This study was basically about the working of transport network of a mountainous

district of AJ&K the Rawalakot. The main focus of the report was Rawalakot city as a

nodal point in the transport network of the district. Rawalakot city as a point of origin and

destination is the focal point of the transport network of the district. All the major

network connections within the district, to other districts of AJ&K and to Pakistan start

from the Rawalakot city.

Hundreds of vehicles and no doubt thousands of passengers daily traverse across

the district Poonch (Rawalakot) and at one point or the other these passengers have to go

through Rawalakot city. From Rawalakot city mainly four routes emerge following the

cardinal directions. Towards North a road leads to Sangola and from there to Bagh,

another Northward route is Rawalakot-Mohri Farman Shah-Shuja Abad-Bagh. The road

leading West wards in known as Tain Dhalkot road which connects Rawalakot with

Pakistan through Kohala crossing point over the river Jhelum, Midway on this road is

situated Irja diversion from where a road leads to Bagh and to Muzaffarabad through

of 50

Bagh. From Rawalakot South wards a newly constructed road Ghazi-a-Millat road

connects the district with Pakistan through Gouin Nalla valley. This road is also known

as Gouin Nalla Road it is comparatively newly constructed and in good shape, provides

the shortest connection between Rawalakot and Rawalpindi. The same road also provides

connectivity with the Plandari (Sidhnoti) district of AJ&K. The road leading East from

the Rawalakot city is the main connecting road which connects Rawalakot Tehsil with

Abbaspur and Hajeera Tehsils of the Poonch District. This road runs through Khaigala a

famous nodal point in the transport network of the Rawalakot district. From Khaigala

roads lead to Abbasspur through Ali Sojal and to Hajeera through Chotta Gala and the

famous Banjosa Lake. In turn Abbaspur and Hajeera serve as other important nodal

points for onwards transmission of passengers to other remote parts of the Poonch

District. From Hajeera a crossing point to India at Tetri Note has now become

dysfunctional which once was a point of international cross border movements.

From Rawalakot city most of the road network development is seen towards the

West and Northwest because most of the population of the Rawalakot subdivision is

concentrated in this area in major settlements like Mujahidabad (اجمدہ آابد), Horna Mera وہرہن)

(ریمہ , Bairi (ڑیبی) , Harola ڑہوال() , Pachiot (اپویھچٹ) , Datot (داوتٹ) , Panioula (اپوینہل) , Jandathi (ڈنجایھٹ) ,

Bangouin (و ںیئگ

ن(ب , Tain Dhalkot (اٹںیئ ڈوکلھٹ) and many others. The road network of the area is

efficient in the terms that it is quite capable of handling the volume of traffic and

passengers produced in this region. On some of the roads in the area one might not

encounter any public transport vehicle throughout the day but private vehicles owned by

of 50

the well to do local residents. Road sides are quite scenic and provide a very serene view

to the tourists.

It is also a fact that most of the roads are deteriorating and badly need

maintenance. It is said about the mountainous areas that roads are comparatively easy to

construct than maintain. In mountainous areas with a snowy and a rainy season

maintaining the roads after these two seasons is mandatory, every now and then land

sliding may occur washing away the road so a continuous watch on the roads and

maintenance is always going on in this region also.

Most of the passengers we encountered during this survey were not satisfied with

the road conditions and were in the opinion of further improvement of roads,

establishment of highway police system, a better training system for drivers, systematic

operation of the vehicles was another demand of the passengers. At present vehicles are

operating from 5 different terminals for different areas of the district, these all terminals

can be combined in one place to facilitate the passengers. An effort was made by the

municipal government of Rawalakot city by constructing the Municipal Terminal (دلبہی اڈہ)

but it is now used only by the vehicle repair mechanics and public transport vehicles still

use‎private‎terminals‎situated‎in‎the‎city’s‎commercial‎and‎residential‎area.‎‎

trasportation services in rawalakot, azad kashmir, pakistan

Documents

types of communication

transportation services

transport services

communication networks

mass communication

transportation geography

modes of transportation

types of roads