Red fleet expansion stalled: 100 e-buses delayed again

Srinagar, Aug 16: Commuters in Srinagar will have to wait longer for the much-anticipated 100 additional e-buses, as procurement delays continue to stall the expansion of the city’s public transport system. The new fleet, originally scheduled to arrive in March this year, aimed to strengthen the existing service and ease overcrowding. However, delays in the national tendering process have pushed the delivery timeline further, leaving commuters frustrated.A senior official from Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), requesting anonymity, acknowledged the delay but assured that the procurement process is underway. “The tendering process is not managed by the UT, it is a global tender handled by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA). The delay is due to procedural requirements at the central government level. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to expedite the process, but no exact date can be provided for the buses’ arrival,” said the official.Currently, the city operates a fleet of 100 e-buses across 16 routes. Introduced under the Smart City initiative, these buses provide an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transport for thousands of daily commuters. However, the existing fleet often struggles to meet the rising demand, especially during peak hours, leaving commuters facing long waits and overcrowded buses.Local residents expressed their frustration over the delays. “I rely on the bus to get to work every day, but the buses are often overcrowded. I just hope the additional buses arrive soon to ease the congestion,” said Aadil Bhat, a regular passenger. “During peak hours, it feels impossible to get a seat. Waiting becomes frustrating, especially during winters,” added Arslan Wani, a daily commuter from Rajbagh. Shakir Lone, another passenger, said, “These buses have been a great addition to the city, but we definitely need more of them to make commuting easier for everyone.” Interestingly, an internal study conducted by SSCL revealed that Srinagar requires around 600 e-buses to meet current demand, a figure far above the present fleet size. Until procurement moves forward, this shortfall will continue to cause overcrowding and long waits for passengers. Despite these challenges, the e-bus service has been well-received since its launch on November 1, 2023, by LG Manoj Sinha. Dubbed the “mini metro” of Kashmir, the service has provided a reliable and convenient mode of transport for thousands of daily commuters. In just the first 60 days of operation, the fleet transported around 5 lakh passengers, underscoring its role in Srinagar’s public transport network. The buses come equipped with modern features such as ultra-high-definition dash cameras, accessibility options for people with disabilities, passenger-friendly stop buttons, and heating and cooling systems to ensure comfort in Srinagar’s fluctuating weather. In 2024 alone, the e-buses transported over 61 lakh passengers, highlighting the growing reliance on this service for daily commutes. The fleet also generated Rs 11 crore in revenue during its first year of operation, further solidifying its role as a dependable mode of public transport for the city. However, despite these successes, ongoing procurement delays have left commuters in limbo.