Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Jun 16: The launch of the smart bus service from Kakapora to Srinagar has brought a wave of joy among residents, who have hailed the initiative as a long-awaited development.
The move is being seen as a positive step toward improving affordable transport connectivity in south Kashmir.
The locals said that it’s a huge relief for daily commuters as the e-bus service is not only comfortable but also affordable. “We are thankful to the administration for finally listening to our pleas,” they said.
The residents expressed hope that the service will continue uninterrupted and will help reduce travel time and costs for people commuting to Srinagar for work, studies, or medical needs frequently.
Meanwhile, the residents from other parts of South Kashmir, particularly from Pulwama and Shopian districts have demanded similar facilities.
Zakir Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama town, expressed dismay over the exclusion of their area from the smart bus service rollout. “It is unfortunate that while smart bus services have been introduced in areas like Pampore and Khrew, Pulwama town continues to be neglected. A large number of people travel daily to Srinagar, and we are forced to rely on expensive passenger vehicle services,” he said.
Ahmad further added that students and employees suffer the most due to the lack of cheaper transportation options. “Every day hundreds of students and government employees travel to Srinagar from Pulwama. In the absence of an economical option like the e-bus, they are forced to pay high fares for private vehicles.”
The residents of Shopian also echoed similar concerns. Ab Hamid, a local from the district, highlighted the financial burden on low-income families. “There are sumo services available, but many people, especially the poor, cannot afford the fare. E-buses will provide a cheaper and eco-friendly alternative,” he said.
Hamid also stressed the need for inclusive development. “If this facility can be extended to smaller areas like Kakapora, then why not to a district headquarters like Shopian? We hope the government treats all areas equally.”
Locals from both districts revealed that they have approached the concerned authorities several times and were assured that the service would be extended, but so far, no progress has been made.
“We urge the Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama and Shopian and the concerned MLAs to personally look into this issue. Our repeated appeals have gone unanswered. It is high time the government ensures equitable transport services across all regions,” said Shabir Ahmad, a civil society member in Pulwama.
Residents said that better public transport is not just a matter of convenience but a basic necessity. They demanded immediate inclusion of their districts in the smart bus network so that common people, especially students, patients, and the elderly, are not forced to suffer anymore. (KNO)
