Unregulated stops by e-buses irk commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 28: Commuters in Srinagar are expressing growing frustration over the way e-buses operate on city roads, with many accusing drivers of making frequent, erratic and unregulated stops that are causing severe traffic snarls and delays. Residents say the buses often halt every few meters, sometimes in the middle of the road, blocking lanes and leaving vehicles stuck for long stretches.The issue is particularly evident during peak hours, when traffic congestion is already at its worst. Commuters claim drivers frequently stop without warning or signalling to pick up or drop passengers at random spots, forcing other vehicles to slow down or weave dangerously around them.Shahid Gilani, a commuter from Batamaloo, said: “Being stuck behind an e-bus is incredibly frustrating. The buses are so large that they block entire lanes, trapping vehicles behind them for long periods. What’s worse is that they don’t even use indicators to warn other drivers.”“Yesterday, an e-bus near Nowgam stopped in the middle of the road, blocking traffic for almost five minutes,” said Khursheed Ahmad. “Vehicles had to reverse and use the wrong lane to get past it. This has become a daily problem.” The e-bus service, introduced under the Smart City initiative, was aimed at modernizing Srinagar’s public transport with a fleet of 100 eco-friendly, high-tech buses. While residents acknowledge the benefits of these buses, many argue that the way they currently operate mirrors traditional minibuses, undermining the purpose of the project“The way these buses operate is just like the old minibuses, stopping wherever they please,” said Shaukat Ahmed, a resident of Hyderpora. “What’s the point of calling them ‘smart buses’ if they’re just doing the same thing?” “While the service offers modern amenities, it’s creating chaos on the roads,” added Rashid Bukhari, another commuter. “We benefit from it, but it shouldn’t worsen traffic.”The unregulated stops have also raised safety concerns, with many commuters reporting near-misses due to sudden halts. “These erratic stops can easily lead to serious accidents. I’ve witnessed several near-misses, and it’s only a matter of time before a major accident occurs,” said Younis Qadri, a resident of Bagh-e-Mehtab. Locals also voiced their frustration over the lack of enforcement. “There should be proper checks and fines for drivers who stop randomly. Otherwise, traffic will remain a nightmare, and the risk of accidents will always be high,” said Farooq Shah, a commuter from Lal Chowk. Responding to these concerns, a senior official from Srinagar traffic department, requesting anonymity, acknowledged the problem and assured corrective measures were being implemented. “We have received multiple complaints and are planning additional oversight. Enforcement drives will be conducted to ensure that traffic norms are followed,” he said. Bus drivers, however, cite the absence of adequate infrastructure as the root cause. “There is a need for more designated bus stops,” said Shakeel Wani, an e-bus driver. “Passengers often wait at random places, so we have no option but to stop where they are. Officials from Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) said plans to expand designated bus stops are underway. “These stops will streamline operations and improve the experience for passengers and other commuters,” said the official, requesting anonymity. 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, it provides a reliable and convenient mode of transport for thousands of daily commuters. The buses feature ultra-high-definition dash cameras, accessibility options for people with disabilities, passenger-friendly stop buttons, and heating and cooling systems, ensuring comfort and safety. Notably, in the first 60 days, the fleet transported around 5 lakh passengers, and by 2024, ridership had surpassed 61 lakh. The service also generated Rs 11 crore in revenue during its first year, highlighting its growing role in Srinagar’s public transport network. However, commuters argue that until proper infrastructure and route discipline are put in place, the full potential of the smart e-bus service will remain untapped.