Public transportation across the Kashmir Valley experienced significant disruptions on Monday as private transporters initiated a strike to voice their opposition against the proposed expansion of the Smart City bus services into additional districts. The action, orchestrated by the All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Welfare Association, manifested as a widespread ‘chakka jam,’ or road blockade, which drastically reduced vehicular traffic and imposed considerable hardship on daily commuters. The strike saw a near-complete absence of private buses and inter-district taxis from the roads, although auto-rickshaws and government-operated buses continued their services, albeit with potentially reduced capacity or increased demand.
Commuters found themselves in a precarious situation, grappling with the scarcity of available transport options. Many recounted tales of prolonged waits and uncertainty regarding their journeys. “We are facing a lot of difficulties due to this ‘chakka jam’,” one commuter, who identified themselves as traveling from Srinagar to Kupwara, stated, highlighting the absence of both buses and cabs. “Many people have been waiting for over an hour,” they added, appealing to the government to implement alternative arrangements to mitigate the inconvenience.
The private transporters articulated their grievances, explaining that their decision to withdraw services was a direct response to the government’s plan to extend the Smart City bus network to areas such as Pulwama, Kangan, and Sopore. They contend that such an expansion would have a detrimental and potentially devastating impact on their livelihoods, which they claim are already precarious. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the transporters fear that the introduction of a larger, government-backed fleet will undercut their existing operations and make it exceedingly difficult to sustain their businesses.
A bus owner based in Srinagar expressed the financial strain faced by many in the sector. “We are already earning very little in a day,” they remarked. “If the government goes ahead with this plan, it will pose a major threat to our livelihood.” This sentiment was echoed by a transporter from north Kashmir, who questioned the strategic logic of issuing permits to private operators if the intention was to subsequently expand government-run services. Ali Mohammad, another bus owner, shared a stark financial reality, stating, “My driver hardly saves Rs 300 a day. Many of us have taken bank loans. If these services are extended further, what will happen to us?” The transporters are concerned about their ability to repay loans and provide for their families if their income streams are significantly diminished.
Shabir Ahmad Matta, a prominent transporter leader and the president of the association, further elaborated on the reasons behind the protest, pointing to a perceived failure on the part of the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. “No one is listening to our concerns,” Matta stated. “Thousands of people depend on the transport sector for their livelihood.” He indicated that the administration’s intention to introduce approximately 200 additional Smart City buses has amplified the anxieties among the existing private transport operators. Matta urged the authorities to pause the proposed expansion and to address the legitimate grievances raised by the transporters.
The Smart City bus service, which was launched in November 2023, is an initiative aimed at establishing an eco-friendly public transportation system. Initially, the service commenced with a fleet of 100 electric buses each in Srinagar and Jammu. The government’s subsequent proposal to broaden the service’s reach to other districts was intended to enhance connectivity across the region. However, this move has ignited considerable opposition from the private transport sector, which views it as a direct threat to their established operations and economic stability. The current impasse highlights a growing tension between the government’s modernization and expansion plans for public transit and the concerns of existing private operators regarding their future viability.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.