Commuters decry haphazard operation of e-rickshaw service in Srinagar areas

Srinagar, Nov 24: Commuters have urged authorities to streamline e-rickshaw service across the summer capital in view of shortage of passenger buses and cabs.

People in various areas of the city said that owing to the absence of cabs after sunset, authorities must ensure e-rickshaw service so that they can reach their destinations in time.

Greater Kashmir received many complaints from areas like Hazratbal, Habak, Batapora, and Burzahama about the absence of evening transport. Inhabitants of these areas demanded a dedicated e-rickshaw service so that their issues could be resolved. In addition to these areas, the areas in Harwan, including New Theed, Darbagh, and Danihama, have also demanded a dedicated service of e-rickshaws to compensate for the dearth of evening transport.

“Our area is always neglected when it comes to public transport. We are facing immense problems due to non-availability of transport. We want authorities to push e-rickshaw service in our areas so that we won’t be stranded while heading home in the evenings,” Faisal Ahmad, a local from Burzahama, said.

The passenger demanded that the e-rickshaw service should be started from main Hazratbal to its outskirts and from Shalimar to its adjoining areas. Office goers, students, and other travellers said that in the absence of public buses, they have to rely on cabs, which are not available during evening hours in these areas.

“Auto rickshaws demand exorbitant fares, which we cannot afford. It is convenient for us if e-rickshaws are pressed into service in these areas. Students and office goers don’t find public transport available to reach their destinations and barely reach halfway. If these e-rickshaws are pressed into service as a supplement to other transport, we will have a sigh of relief,” said Owais Bhat, a student.

Greater Kashmir did a series of stories on the issue. An official in a recent conversation with this reporter said that transport authorities will press smart buses in these areas.

“We will also ensure that whatever means of transport can be added to the area will be added for the convenience of the passengers,” he added.