Srinagar, Mar 15: Minister for FCS &CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training Satish Sharma, on Saturday, said that Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) is in the process of expanding its fleet, with Hiranagar constituency set to receive its share once the new buses are added.
This came in response to a question raised by MLA Hiranagar Adv.Vijay Sharma, who asked whether the government plans to provide affordable public transport, particularly e-buses or SRTC buses, to underserved areas of Hiranagar.
In his reply, Minister Satish Sharma stated, “JKRTC currently operates several bus services in the Kathua district, including routes such as Jammu-Hiranagar-Pathankot, Jammu-Pathankot-Udhampur and Jammu-Bani-Lowang.” He assured that once the new fleet is in place, services to Hiranagar will be prioritized.
Regarding the use of electric buses, the minister clarified, “The electric buses operated by JKRTC are currently limited to city operations due to their short-range capacity of 80 to 90 kilometers once fully charged.” As a result, these buses are not suitable for longer routes such as those in Hiranagar.
Sharma further emphasized, “The Transport Department remains committed to enhancing the public transport network across Jammu and Kashmir, with ongoing efforts to provide affordable and reliable services to all residents.”
