Srinagar, Nov 22: 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, aims at providing a pollution-free transport system in the city was 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 city will nowhere in sight. Ironically, the Mini bus service is still operational
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.
Speaking to CNS, JKRTC M.D, Angreez singh Rana said 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.
“These bus services were supposed to operate throughout the length and breadth of the each district of the valley for which plans are being formulated by the concerned officials in UT. However, for unknown reasons same service has been banned by the administration. Now on behalf of the department 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.
Meanwhile, a delegation of daily commuters mostly employees & students told CNS that the administration should review it’s banning order and should allow at least e buses to operate in the city.
They said that SRTC fleets have no role in conjunction of the erstwhile Stand as they arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, “The SRTC service has no role in conjunction the stand,” they said.
They said that the SRTC services were 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 this order will 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 has no justification”, they added
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 the top brass of administration to allow operation of SRTC service from GBS Batamaloo and e-buses in the city.
“We appeal to the LG and Chief Secretary to look into the issue and withdraw the banning order,” they added (CNS)
