Admin Stops Operation Of Electric Buses In City, Commuters Aghast

Will raise issue with LG: MD RTC

Srinagar- The electric bus service and operation of Maxi Cabs from in and outside Batamaloo vicinity by Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has faced a setback as the administration has banned the operation of these services in the Srinagar city.

The electric buses, first of its kind, aimed at providing a pollution-free transport system in the city were inaugurated by former lieutenant Governor Satya Pal in 2019. Now with the major embarrassment for the administration, the electric busses that were made operational in the city will be nowhere in sight.

The operation of electric bus service was a step towards providing eco-friendly public transportation with modern facilities to the commuters.

The e-buses aimed 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.

Last week Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir P K Pole appealed for immediate stop of illegal operation of Maxi Cabs from in and outside Batamaloo vicinity, besides, submitted that no Maxi Cab be allowed to cross Parimpora Bus Stand point from north and north-east areas of Kashmir division.

JKRTC M.D, Angreez Singh Rana said that that the JKRTC with a major expansion of its existing fleet with addition of more than 500 new buses and trucks in phased manner as part restructuring plan to make once ‘bankrupt’ corporation a profitable enterprise has again been turned back.

“I am writing to the higher authorities including Advisor Bhatnagar, who is also the Chairman of RTC to withdraw the decision of banning fleets in the city as it will lead to the brink of bankruptcy”, Raina added

Official sources said that despite having a good number of electric buses, the corporation has been importing modern buses from outside the corporation with the hope that with such initiatives the Corporation once again will achieve its erstwhile position when it was considered a major service provider across Jammu & Kashmir.

Earlier, Lt Governor has entrusted upon J&K Road Transport Corporation the expansion of their fleet of buses in hope that the government-run buses traverse 20 lakh kms every month, increasing from its present average of 15 lakh kms a month.

However, commuters appealed to the top brass of administration to allow operation of SRTC service from GBS Batamaloo and e-buses in the city. (CNS)

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