Srinaga The traffic authorities in Kashmir have been directed by the lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha to allow the uninterrupted operation of electric buses in the Srinagar city.
The e- bus service by Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) faced a setback before few days as the administration banned the operation of service in the Srinagar city.
The electric buses, first of its kind, aims at providing a pollution-free transport system in the city was inaugurated by former lieutenant Governor Satya Pal in 2019 but with the major embarrassment for the administration, the electric buses that were made operational in city were nowhere in sight for few days. Ironically, the Mini bus service is still operational in the city.
In a order issued today from the LG office it state that Uninterrupted playing of JKRTC Electric Buses services on notified routes in Srinagar city.
“ Kindly refer to the subject cíted above, where under it is submitted that Hon’ble former Governor, of erstwhile state J&K during July 2019 flagged off Electric Buses for operation in Srinagar city on notified/identified routes the convenience of commuters/general public. These buses have been continuously playing on notified /scheduled routes within and outskirts of Srinagar city. But all of sudden, its operation was restricted by traffic department”, order reads.
JKRTC M.D, Angreez singh Rana said that e-bus service is a part of restructuring plan to make once ‘bankrupt’ corporation a profitable enterprise.
“As reported by Managing Director JKRTC vide letter No. JKRTC/MD/PS/GMA/1110 dated 22-11-2021, the traffic authorities have imposed restriction on JKRTC electric bus services originating from Lal-Chowk to various routes, which resulted inconvenience to general public/commuters and loss to the corporation. Although, the private buses/ maxi cabs are continuously playing within Srinagar city without any restrictions”, reads the order.
However, while taking cognize of inconvenience to the commuters in general and department in particular, LG directed concerned authorities to allow operation of e-service in the city.
“The Hon’ble Advisor (B) has desired that necessary instructions be issued to the concerned traffic authorities to allow JKRTC Electric Buses to play as per the notified schedule to avoid financial loss as well inconvenience to general public”, states the order.
Commuters in city hub Lal Chowk said that the service is made operational for the convenience of Students, employees of the Civil Secretariat, High Court and other departments so that they will reach their offices without any interruptions, adding that banning them would leave a negative impact on the functioning of the govt departments as well.
“The local cabs and buses charge exorbitant fares from passengers and also do not hesitate to overload. However the RTC service is more affordable and banning them had no justification”, they added
The operation of e- bus service is a step towards providing eco-friendly public transportation with modern facilities to the commuters. The e-buses aim in reducing the pollution levels in the city with people largely utilising public transport for their daily travel in a bid to contribute towards environment preservation.
Notably, commuters appealed the top brass of administration to allow operation of RTC e-buses in the city.
