Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jan 22: After the gap of over three decades, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is all set to witness a revival of water transport within the period of one month.
The water transport is a flagship project of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), which aims to revive the water-based public transport system in Srinagar City.
Earlier in the last month, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri reviewed the selection of the agency for operations of Water Transport Services in River Jhelum and Dal Lake in Srinagar. He had emphasized the need for a water transport system as an additional mode of transport. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir also directed SSCL to finalize the routes and fare structure and call for tenders expeditiously.
General Manager of SSCL, Anuj Malhotra, said that the water transport project at present is in the tendering process.
“We are expecting to commence the services in a month only,” he said, adding that this is nearly after a few decades that the services are being revived.
“This will be the addition of public transport for the people. It is a joyous moment for the public and especially the water transport will ensure zero carbon emission, which is favourable for the environment as well,” he added.
The General Manager further stated that the revival of water services will ensure jobs to the people as well.
Pertinently, the water transport was ‘rampant’ and popular in Kashmir as most of the merchandise – timber, food stuffs, vegetables, firewood, charcoal, building material etc was all transported through this mode which started fast declining since late 70s.
