Kashmir transporters oppose smart city bus expansion

Srinagar: Transporters across the Kashmir division have called for a strike on Monday in protest against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to various Valley districts.

Representatives of the transport sector have expressed concern that the decision could impact their livelihoods and push thousands of families of private transporters into poverty. "Private operators are already grappling with multiple challenges, and the extension of Smart City buses to district routes has further deepened uncertainty. While modernisation of public transport is important, it should not come at the cost of existing stakeholders," said Shabir Matta, a representative of the transport sector.

Transporters have decided that all services will remain suspended across the Valley on Monday. They appealed to the public to cooperate and urged the administration to review the decision and hold consultations with transporters to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. Transporters said the introduction of Smart City buses on inter-district routes has created an unfair competition. "We have to face the burden of loan liabilities, rising fuel prices, maintenance costs and declining passenger volume," said Matta.