Tuesday, April 5 2005 15:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Driving buses have been a routine for them for nearly three decades. But when Ghulam Mohd Wani and Ghulam Nabi Wani sit on the wheels on Thursday (Apr 7, 2005), the experience would be different.

The two drivers of Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) will be driving two buses ferrying passengers bound for Muzaffarabad in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK), becoming a part of a process to re-unite families divided by the Line of Control (LoC) and go down in history.

"I have been driving buses for the last 26 years on various routes, including inter-State ones. But the experience of driving a bus on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route will definitely be exceptional for me. I am exited about it," says 47-year-old Mohd Wani.

The experience will particularly be special considering that I will be ferrying people who are going to meet their separated relatives," he adds.

Nabi Wani says, "I have got a unique opportunity. I am going to drive a bus that will help unite hearts from across the LoC who have remained separated for decades."

Mohd Wani and Nabi Wani are among four drivers of the JKSRTC who would drive the buses on the special route. Four conductors would also accompany the buses.

After India and Pakistan decided to run the bus service in February, the Jammu and Kashmir Government purchased four 19-seater deluxe buses for plying on the route, which has been closed for 57 years.

The buses are air-conditioned and have heating and video systems too, besides comfortable seating structure.

Excited about driving the bus, Mohd Wani and Nabi Wani say the service should be more frequent than twice a month.

"This should be a daily service considering the desire of the people of Kashmir on both sides to visit the other side to meet their relatives and friends," says Nabi Wani.

The two drivers are, however, not happy that they would not be able to cross the LoC, considering the agreement between India and Pakistan that the passengers will disembark at Kaman bridge, the last point on this side of the LoC and walk across to take another bus for Muzaffarabad.

The 170-km Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road had been built in 1886 and was a busy route for trade considering its all-weather nature. However, the road was closed in 1947 after the partition.

On this side, the road terminates at Kaman bridge, about 120 km from Srinagar. The buses, while ferrying passengers intending to travel to Muzaffarabad from Srinagar, will also bring those visiting Srinagar from across the LoC.

The conductors, besides being attendants to the drivers, will also perform the role of a guide by providing details to visitors about various spots along the route.

On militants' threat, the drivers say, "Life and death is in the hands of God. We are only doing our job."

They, however, admit that their family members are worried following the threat by some ultra groups to target the bus.