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
i

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

ii

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
AJ&K:

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

31
4.4.3. Number and Types of Vehicles: ...................................................... 32

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
4.5.3. Number and Types of Vehicles: ...................................................... 34
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

iii

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
iv

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

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.

Page 1 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.

Page 2 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 waterborne crafts as they travel through oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways.

Page 3 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.
Page 4 of 50

1.9.

Purpose of Study:
Survey report was conducted from 21 st to 25th 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.

Page 5 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
Page 6 of 50

collected from all points of origin of transport services. Sampling method was adopted
for the second part regarding passengers 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.

Page 7 of 50

Weather of Rawalakot also caused little problems

Page 8 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 3351'32.18"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
Page 9 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

Page 10 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.

Page 11 of 50

Map 2.2: topography of Rawalakot District

Page 12 of 50

2.5.

Climate:
Rawalakot features a subtropical highland climate (Cwa) under the Kppen

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 midsummer months and drop below 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

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

14.5

December

28.9

-3.3

19.1

Page 13 of 50

Climate of Rawalakot
December

November

October

January
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20

February

March

April

September

May

August

June
July

Temperature

Record Low Temp

Figure2.01: Climate of Rawalakot

Picture2.1: Seasons of Rawalakot

Page 14 of 50

Rain fall

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.

Page 15 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.

Page 16 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.

Total

Road Density

Width of

length

(Km. /Sq.

Road

(km)

Km.)

Meters

Metaled road

891

.882

PWD A J & K

Fair weather road

1127

1.12

PWD A J & K

Jeep able road

100

.099

Local Government
Rawalakot

Type of Road

Page 17 of 50

Constructed by

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
Page 18 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.
Page 19 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
Page 20 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

Types of vehicles

Seating capacity

No. of vehicles

Percentage

Suzuki

12

165

87.76

Hiace

18

1.59

Jeep

10

20

10.65

188

100

Total

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.

Vehicles Moving Within the City

Hiace
1%

Jeep
11%

Suzuki
88%
Suzuki

Hiace

Figure4.1: Vehicles Moving within the City

Page 21 of 50

Jeep

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

Types Of Vehicles

Trips / Day

Destination

Distance
Km

Fare
Rs.

No Of
Vehicles

Suzuki

Hiace

Jeep

Suzuki

Hiace

Jeep

Thandi Kassi

20

30

30

Kharik

20

35

35

Moti al Maira

30

40

20

20

Chek Bazar

25

80

80

Gali Bazar

30

188

165

20

Total

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.

Page 22 of 50

Number of Vehicles

Vehicles Moving Within City

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Thandi Kassi

Kharik

Moti al Maira
Destinations

Suzuki

Hiace

Check Bazar

Gali Bazar

Jeep

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

30

1440

17.42

Moti Al Maira

40

1200

14.51

Kharik

35

1680

20.32

Chek Bazar

80

3840

46.44

Gali Bazar

108

1.31

188

8268

100

Total

Page 23 of 50

Percentage of Total Passenger Movement

50
46.44

Percentage of Passenger Movement

45
40
35
30
25

20.32

20
17.42
15

14.51

10
5
1.31

0
Thandi Kassi

Motial Maira
Kharik
Chek Bazar
Destinations within the city area
Distance Km

Gali Bazar

Percentage of Passengers

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:

Page 24 of 50

Table 4.4: Destinations within Rawalakot District

Destination

Distance
Km

Fare
Rs.

No Of
Vehicles

Types Of Vehicles

Trips / Day

Hiace

Jeep/Ford

Hiace

Jeep/Ford

Topa

10

40

20

20

Datot

10

70

23

23

Shujahabad

12

50

10

10

Naka bazar

12

40

Sangola

13

55

16

16

Damni

15

40

12

12

Horna mera

15

60

19

19

Khaigala

17

40

15

15

Panioula

17

60

40

40

Koutaira Dohongli

20

70

Harola

20

70

Bun Behak

20

100

10

10

Jandali

20

80

12

12

Chotagala

20

60

22

22

Dheri

20

60

22

22

Bairi

23

70

Sanjhot

23

70

14

14

Hajeera

24

80

30

15

15

Khara Butt

25

80

Ali Sojal

25

130

Chitra Topi

30

100

10

10

Thorar

30

80

13

13

Irja

30

100

50

50

Galla Mali Khan

30

100

Numble

35

100

12

12

Mang

35

100

Tian Dhalkot

35

130

Tararkhal

40

120

10

10

Abbaspur

74

180

15

15

Page 25 of 50

Map4.2: Important Destinations within Rawalakot District

Page 26 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

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

216

1.15

Haroli

20

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

168

0.95

Sanjhot

23

14

392

2.15

Hajeera

24

30

1920

10.5

Khara Butt

25

144

0.75

Ali Sojal

25

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

324

1.77

Numble

35

12

432

2.35

Mang

35

108

0.6

Tian Dhalkot

35

128

0.7

Tararkhal

40

10

280

1.5

Abbaspur

74

15

540

2.95

18252

100

Total

Page 27 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.

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Topa
Datot
Shujahabad
Naka bazar
Sangola
Damni
Horna mera
Khaigala
Panioula
Koutaira Dohongli
Harola
Bun bag
Jandali
Chotagala
Dheri
Bairi
Sanjhot
Hajeera
Khara Butt
Ali Sojal
Chitra Topi
Thorar
Irja
Galla Mali Khan
Numble
Mang
Tian Dhalkot
Tararkhal
Abbaspur

Distance in Kms and Percentage of Passenger Flow

Passenger Flow According to Distance from Point of Origin

Important Destinations
percentage

Distance In Km

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
Page 28 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

Hiace

18

341

78.29

Ford

14

103

21.71

444

100

Total

Percentage

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.

Page 29 of 50

Number of vehicles

Ford
21.71%

Hiace
78.29%

Hiace

Ford

Figure4.3: Number and Type of Vehicles

4.4.

Passenger Flow on Public Transport Services from Rawalakot to

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.

Page 30 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

Destination

Distance

Fare

Km

Rs.

Types Of
Vehicles

No Of
Vehicles

Coach

Trips / Day

Hiace

Coach

Hiace

Bagh

40

120

29

29

Kotli

105

230

Muzaffarabad

110

260

15

15

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

Destination

Distance
Km

No Of
Vehicles

Estimated No. Of
passengers

Percentage

Bagh

40

29

1044

60.55

Kotli

105

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.

Page 31 of 50

Distance and Passenger Flow

Distance in Kilometers

120
100
80
60.55
60
31.35

40
20

8.1

0
Bagh

Kotli

Muzaffarabad

Destinations
Distance Km

% Passenger Flow

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

4.4.3. Number and Types of Vehicles:

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

4.35

Hiace

18

44

95.65

46

100

Total

4.5.

Passenger Flow on Public Transport Services from Rawalakot to

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
Page 32 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

Distance
Km

Fare

Rawalpindi

105

Lahore

410

Destination

Types Of Vehicles

No Of
Vehicles

Coaster

250

65

15

40

650

Rs

Trips / Day

Hiace Bus

Coaster

Hiace

Bus

10

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

Destination

Distance
Km

No. Of Vehicles

Estimated No. of
passenger

percentage

Rawalpindi

105

65

3490

87.95

Lahore

410

208

12.05

67

3698

100

Total

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.

Page 33 of 50

Distance in Km

Distance & Passenger Flow

450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

87.95
12.05
Rawalpindi

Lahore

Destinations in Pakistan
Distance Km

% Passenger Flow

Figure04.5: Daily Passenger Flow from Rawalakot to Pakistan

4.5.3. Number and Types of Vehicles:

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

Types of vehicles

Seating capacity

No. of vehicles

Percentage

Coaster

34

15

22.38

Hiace

18

40

59.70

Bus

52

12

17.92

67

100

Total

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.

Page 34 of 50

Types of Vehicles Moving Between Rawalakot and

Pakistan
Coaster

17.92%

Hiace

Bus

22.38%

59.7%

Figure4.06: Number and Types of Vehicles

Page 35 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. Passengers 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
Page 36 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

Daily

Hospital

Leisure

Students

Meeting

Jobs

Shopping

38

15

23

Weekly

Monthly

18

Occasionally

35

10

Purpose of Travel
Number of Travelrs

25
20
15
10
5
0
Medical

Daily

Leisure Education Meeting

Weekly

Monthly

Jobs

Shoping

Occassionaly

Number of Travelrs

Purpose Specific Frequency of Travel

25
20
15
10
5
0

Daily
Medical

Leisure

Weekly
Education

Monthly
Meeting

Figure5.1 & 5.2: Purpose of Travel

Page 37 of 50

Occassionaly
Jobs

Shoping

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

15

Weekly

Monthly

10

Occasionally

12

13

Number of Passengers

Frequency of Travel according to Distance

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

>5

5_10

11_16

Distance travelled in Kilometers

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Figure5.3: Frequency of Travel According to Distance

Page 38 of 50

Occasionally

<16

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

10

15

27

10

28

36-55

12

56-75

Age Specific Categories of Travelers

30

25
20
15
10
5
0
16-35
Business Men

36-55
Govt Employees

Labour

Figure5.4: Age Specific Groups of travelers

Page 39 of 50

56-75
Student

Housewife

Retired

Categories of Travelers in Different Age Groups

Number of Travelers

30
25
20
15

16-35

10

36-55

56-75

0
Business
Govt.
Men
Employees

Labour

Student

Housewife

Retired

Categories of Travelrs

Figure5.5: Categories of Travelers in Different Age Groups

5.4.

Occupational Groups of Male Travelers:

Toconductagenderbasedanalysisofthetravelers,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

15

12

19

36_55

10

56_75

Page 40 of 50

Occupational Groups of Male Travelers

16
Number of Male Passengers

14
12
10
8
6
4
2

0
16_35

36_55

56_75

36

19
Age groups and Number of Passengers in each group

Business

Govt Employee

Labour

Students

Retired

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

30

16_35

15

10

36_55

56_75

Page 41 of 50

Student Housewife

Retired

Occupational Groups of Female Travellers

Number of Female Passengers

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2

0
16_35
30

36_55

56_75

9
2
Age Groups and Number of Passengers in wach Group

Business

Govt Employee

Student

Housewife

Retired

Figure 5.7: Occupational Group of Female Travelers

5.6.

Passenger Satisfaction Level:

The most important aspect of any journey is the passengers 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

62

23

Vehicles

32

30

30

Security

55

15

17

13

Overall Travelling Facilities

17

20

17

46

Page 42 of 50

Passenger Satisfaction Level

Number of Passengers

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Roads
yes

Vehicles
No

Don't Know

Security

Overall Travelling
Facilities

To Some Extent

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.

Page 43 of 50

Table 5.7: Presence of traffic police system

Opinion

5.8.

Percentage

Yes

74

Dontknow

16

No

10

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

Dontknow

Page 44 of 50

Need of Trained Drivers

3%
6%

91%

Yes

No need

Dontknow

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

Behavior of Transporters

12

Page 45 of 50

Reasons of Unpleasent Journey

80
Percentage of Passengers

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Bad roads

Old Vehicles

Law & Order

Behavior of
Transporters

Reasons of Unpleasent Journey

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.

Page 46 of 50

Table 5.10: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey

Suggestions

Percentage

Better Roads

83

Presence Of Traffic Police

Transportation System

Speed Limit

Suggestions For Comfortable and Secure Journey

Better Roads
Presence Of Traffic Police
Transportation System
Speed Limit

s
Figure 5.11: Suggestion for Comfortable and Secure Journey

Page 47 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
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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 (), Horna Mera (
), Bairi ) (, Harola )(, Pachiot )(, Datot )(, Panioula )(, Jandathi )(,

Bangouin )(, Tain Dhalkot ) (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

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

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