Inadequate public transport to Hazratbal takes toll on passengers

Srinagar, Aug 19: Scarce cab service on multiple routes in Hazratbal areas is taking a toll on passengers.

The passengers in these areas said that they face immense issues during peak hours, evenings, and weekends due to inadequate public transport. Office goers and students in these areas said that although public transport service on the majority of the Srinagar routes has been enhanced, this vital route has been neglected. A delegation of passengers said that the cab service from Lal Chowk to areas like Danihama, Chatrahama, Batapora, Tailbal, Mulphaq, Syedpora, and adjoining areas is scarce and needs upgradation.

“The scanty cab service running from Exchange Road and Maisuma Sumo stand is taking a toll on us. You will see that the service from the same stands to other areas is robust while not a single cab leaves in hours for Hazratbal areas even as passengers suffer. The same issue is with the cab service from Kashmir University to these areas. We want authorities to look into the issue and address it accordingly,” said Faisal Ahmad, an officer goer.

The passengers said that in evenings and mornings, they face major issues. They said that while the other routes enjoy better cab services and smart city buses, these routes are neglected. They also said that the scarcity of cabs results in overloading, which adds to the issue.

“Most of the cab operators fill the seats at the cab yard itself, leaving other passengers to fend for themselves. It also results in overloading. It also results in increased waiting time till the cab leaves from the yard, which extends to an hour sometimes. As cabs on other routes leave back to back, the passengers in our areas of Hazratbal outskirts have to wait for cabs to arrive for hours. This has caused huge inconvenience to passengers,” said another passenger.

The passengers said that after sunset, the cabs are not available, adding to the issue. Greater Kashmir did a series of stories on the issues. In a recent conversation with officials, they said that they would add e-rickshaws and other services to the areas to enhance the service. However, passengers decry no change on the ground. They appealed to authorities to enhance the public transport service to these ‘neglected routes’.