SNT’s Service Failures and the "Exhaustion Tactic": A Threat to Sikkim’s Prestige

I am writing to draw urgent public attention to the deteriorating state of accountability within the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT). While our state strives to be a premier "Global" destination, the operational negligence of SNT is actively tarnishing our reputation for hospitality.

On March 5, 2026, an AC bus to Siliguri was cancelled with less than two hours' notice. SNT made no effort to directly communicate this to passengers, leaving many—including senior citizens—stranded. For travelers relying on these buses to reach Bagdogra or NJP, such late cancellations result in missed flights and train connections, for which SNT currently accepts zero liability.

More alarming is what appears to be a deliberate "Exhaustion by Design" refund process. Despite being in 2026, SNT forces citizens to:

 * Submit manual, handwritten applications for digital booking failures.

 * Physically visit offices multiple times to follow up on simple refunds.

 * Navigate a system that refuses to provide written acknowledgments, effectively "ghosting" previous claims.

This process disproportionately targets the elderly and those without the resources to repeatedly visit government offices. It is a blatant barrier to justice that discourages passengers from pursuing their legitimate rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

SNT represents the face of Sikkim to thousands of visitors. Its nonchalant "wash-your-hands" attitude is a blow to our state's prestige. We demand an immediate overhaul: a transparent digital grievance system, mandatory equivalent travel alternatives, and a move away from verbal promises toward formal, written accountability.

Public transport must function with respect for the people it serves. It is time SNT stops being a hurdle and starts being a service.

You's etc,

A Concerned Citizen

(Name withheld on request)