Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 21: Observing a decrease in passenger traffic on routes from Srinagar to Delhi and Srinagar to Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has decided to reduce the current passenger fares by 20 percent.
As per an official order, JKRTC will now provide a 20% discount on existing fares for passengers travelling on Srinagar-Delhi and Srinagar-Jammu routes.
“In light of reduced passenger traffic from Srinagar towards Delhi & Jammu sectors during the off-peak season and to stimulate more activity on National Highway-44, approval is hereby granted to offer promotional discounts @ 20% on the current fares of JKRTC to passengers/commuters,” reads the order.
Officials said that providing promotional discounts is an effort to encourage passenger traffic during the off-peak season and enhance activity on National Highway-44.
According to the order, passengers travelling from Srinagar to Delhi via Volvo buses will now pay a reduced fare of Rs 2,157, down from the previous Rs 2,697. Similarly, travellers heading to Jammu on deluxe buses will enjoy a reduced fare of Rs 440, reduced from Rs 550, while the fare for SML bus type has been lowered to Rs 663 from Rs 829.
As per official data available, over the last three months, a total of 646 trips have been recorded from Srinagar to Jammu, comprising 443 trips in AC-type vehicles and 203 in non-AC-type vehicles. Similarly, for the Srinagar to Delhi route, the last three months have seen 51 trips via Volvo buses.
A senior official said the move is part of JKRTC’s strategy to address the decline in passenger traffic towards Delhi and Jammu sectors during the off-peak season, while simultaneously boosting activity along National Highway-44.
The discounted fares will remain valid until March 15, 2024, the JKRTC order added.
