Srinagar, Apr 20 (JKNS): Daily life and traffic movement in parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, were affected on Monday as transporters observed a strike against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that, Private transport operators, including bus, Sumo and Tavera drivers, stayed off the roads, while sit-ins were held at various bus stands across the Kashmir Valley.
The protest reflects growing concern among transporters over the impact of the Smart City bus expansion on their livelihoods. Demonstrators said the move could threaten the income of thousands of families dependent on private transport and demanded that the government roll back the decision.
They said private operators are already facing multiple challenges, and the proposed extension has further deepened uncertainty within the sector.
While public transport services were hit due to the strike, private vehicles continued to ply normally, limiting the overall disruption in the city. The situation remained peaceful, with protests confined to designated locations and no reports of any law and order issues.
As earlier reported by JKNS, transporters across Kashmir Division had called for a complete chakka jam, raising concerns over the impact of the proposed move on the local transport sector.
Transporters’ representative Shabir Matta had expressed strong resentment, stating that the decision could jeopardize the livelihood of thousands of families.
The transport body urged the administration to review the decision and hold consultations with stakeholders, while appealing to the public for cooperation and seeking measures to avoid inconvenience to commuters. (JKNS)
