Srinagar, Oct. 15 -- Suhail Rather

Bandipora-bound passengers, particularly students and office-goers, are facing severe difficulties due to a shortage of sumos and alleged mismanagement at the Parimpora sumo stand.

Travellers say that after 3 PM, especially on weekends, it becomes almost impossible to get a vehicle to return home.

"After college, I often wait for hours just to get a sumo. Sometimes I have to hire a vehicle at double the normal fare because of this so-called 'special arrangement,'" said Aaliya Rather, a student travelling from Bandipora to Srinagar.

She alleged that the Bandipora-bound Sumo Drivers hide their vehicles in nearby lanes to create a shortage so that they later charge more fares from passengers.

Passenger...