Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Apr 20: Public transport across Kashmir came to a halt today as transporters observe a Valley-wide “chakka jam” against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes, stranding commuters in several areas.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Buses, sumos and other public vehicles remained off the roads, while transporters staged sit-ins at multiple bus stands across the Valley, including Baramulla and Bandipora.
The strike was called by All J&K Transporters Welfare Association, which said the proposed expansion of Smart City buses would adversely affect local operators.
Click here to watch video
Commuters reported significant inconvenience due to the disruption, with laborers, office-goers and students among the worst affected.
“The chakka jam has created problems for people, especially those who depend on daily travel for work,” a commuter said while waiting at Budshah Bridge.
Another commuter said, “I am travelling from Lal Chowk to Shalimar with children but could not find any vehicle due to the lack of transport.”
Association president Shabir Ahmad Matta said the decision to expand services had been taken without consulting stakeholders.
“The new buses under the Smart City scheme will affect those already working in the sector. Two years ago, some buses were introduced, and now 200 more have been announced,” he told reporters during a protest at Parimpora Bus Stand.
Matta said the proposed extension of services to district routes has created uncertainty among transporters.
“We are not against development, but decisions should take into account those already working in the sector,” he added, warning that their concerns must be addressed before the annual Darbar Move.
Despite the strike, Smart City buses continued to operate on their existing routes, though no additional services were deployed to offset the disruption.
Transporters said the sector supports a large number of families and that any changes directly affect livelihoods.
“Lakhs of people are linked to this sector, and many have taken loans to purchase vehicles. Any reduction in work puts them under pressure,” Matta said, also raising concerns over the involvement of outside companies.
Another transporter, Abdul Hamid, said the sector, which remained functional even during difficult periods, is now facing uncertainty.
Transporters in Baramulla said that while the introduction of e-buses within Srinagar city is welcome, extending the service to rural and district routes would affect their earnings.
“The protest is aimed at safeguarding the source of income for hundreds of drivers and transport workers whose families depend on local transport services,” they said.
Drivers also reported declining incomes. “Earlier, we used to earn around Rs 200-300 a day, but now even that has reduced. It has become difficult to manage expenses,” said driver Shamim Ahmad Dar.
Transporters said that they play a key role in daily mobility across Kashmir and that “any decision affecting their livelihood is unacceptable.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
