Colour-coded stickers to streamline minibus routes in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 14: In a bid to bring greater order to the city’s chaotic public transport system, Srinagar Traffic Police has directed minibus operators to install colour-coded stickers on their vehicles.

Officials said the move will help streamline routes, improve enforcement, and offer clarity to commuters.

Officials said the directive mandates that each minibus carry a colour-coded sticker indicating the stand from which it operates and the route number and name it is authorised to ply.

Officials said the system will help clearly distinguish between minibuses operating from the different transport wings and ensure that only legitimate vehicles with proper registration and documentation are allowed on designated routes.

SSP Traffic Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad, said the department will extend full support to minibus owners, operators, and transporters to ensure the measure is implemented in letter and spirit.

“The colour-coded stickers will make it easy for traffic personnel to identify from which stand a minibus is operating and which route it is permitted to ply on. This will strengthen enforcement and also help us keep a check on unauthorised and unregistered vehicles,” he said.

Officials noted that complaints have been pouring in about vehicles plying on routes they do not belong to, often disrupting traffic flow and creating confusion for passengers.

“At times, minibuses from other routes enter busy corridors where they are not allowed. This affects traffic regulation and commuter convenience. The new system will address this issue,” an official said.

Passengers have largely welcomed the move, saying it will bring much-needed clarity. “Many times, we don’t know whether a minibus is going on our route until we board it. If these colour stickers are well implemented, it will make travelling easier,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a passenger at Lal Chowk.

Minibus operators, too, expressed that they are open to every reform that improves the system.

“Any step that makes travel easier for passengers and helps operators earn their livelihood smoothly should be implemented,” said an operator from Downtown.

SSP Traffic said the department plans to extend the same system to cabs in the next phase, given the large number of taxis plying in the city. He also said the traffic police have intensified enforcement over the past month.

“In the last week alone, around a dozen drives were carried against stunts, use of hooters, and illegal vehicle modifications. We are also acting strictly against overspeeding and underage driving,” he said.