Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Even as the transporters have called off their protest after one of their major demands-withdrawal of e-buses from the long routes-has been accepted by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, normal life remained partially disrupted in this district as the heavy transport stayed off the road today.
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Throughout the day, passengers, especially students, Government, and private employees, had to suffer as they relied on limited number of e-buses plying on city roads, autos, and other means of transport to reach schools, offices, and other destinations.
Earlier, a meeting between CEO Jammu Smart City Limited, Rahul Yadav, and Transport Association had ended in a deadlock as CEO allegedly ignored the genuine concerns of the transporters, who were demanding that the operation of new e-buses on the long routes is ceased.
The transporters also alleged that in utter disregard of their Association’s leaders, the CEO Smart City Limited left from the meeting without showing any courtesy.
Frustrated, they gathered at Ware House Jammu, chanting slogans like “Rahul Yadav Hai Hai,” “Insaaf Ke Aage Jhukna Padega,” and “Taanashahi Nahi Chalegi,” protesting perceived neglect.
Addressing the media during the protest, a transporter stated, “we’ve been regularly meeting with Jammu Smart City Limited and Transport Department representatives for the past four months to discuss e-bus timing, schedule, and routes.”
He added, “despite agreements to consult Transport Associations, e-buses started operating on two long routes without our input. This neglect of the transporters is intolerable.”
Another Union leader expressed disappointment over CEO Rahul Yadav’s alleged behaviour during their meeting, accusing him of taking transporters for granted.
Followed by the failed meeting with CEO Rahul Yadav, the Union leaders met Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, in his office, and projected their demands.
According to Ajit Singh, Chairman, All J&K Transport Welfare Association, the Divisional Commissioner gave a patient hearing to their demands and ordered immediate withdrawal of the e-buses from the new routes.
He said the Divisional Commissioner Jammu has also assured to look into other issues of the Association by Saturday.
“We’ve called off our strike on the assurance of the Divisional Commissioner as he has ordered withdrawal of the e-buses from the new routes,” Singh said.
He hoped that the other issues of the Association would also be addressed on priority.
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