Srinagar, Feb 21: The commuters from various areas of Srinagar city on Tuesday complained about the lack of evening transport facilities on various city routes.
Commuters from Humhama, Pantha Chowk, Nowgam, Chanapora, Rangreth, Rawalpora, and other adjoining areas said they are facing an acute shortage of transport in the evening hours, which forces them to book private cabs that charge hefty amounts.
As the sun sets, minibuses, including the Sumo, began to disappear from these city routes, resulting in stampede scenes which are witnessed in the evening at many vital locations, they said.
They also complained that due to the regular non-availability of transport, they are being forced to leave their work midway to reach their respective destinations early in the evening.
A shopkeeper from Chanapora, Aijaz Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that in the winter, the problems worsen with every passing day as public transport disappears early in the evening, leaving a large number of people to suffer on a daily basis. With no option left, they book an auto or a cab, which charges them a hefty amount.
People who are living on the tail end of the city said they are the worst sufferers, as no sumo or mini buses remain available in the evening.
They have urged the transport authorities to look into the matter and pass appropriate directions to make evening transport facilities available on these routes.
Speaking with Rising Kashmir, Arif Parviaz, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Srinagar said that some routes in Srinagar were experiencing problems, and that the department had already taken notice of the problem, which had been resolved in the majority of the routes.
The officer also said if the problems still exist on some routes, he will talk to the concerned transport heads to make sufficient transport available in the evening.
“We keep strict vigil on transport in the city, and if anyone is facing any issue, he can reach us via our online service, and the issue will be resolved simultaneously,” he added.
