Lack of dedicated bus stops for e-buses trigger traffic jams

Srinagar, Feb 26: Lack of dedicated bus stops for e-buses in the summer capital is severely affecting smooth vehicular movement and leading to traffic jams.

Over the past few months, commuters are expressing resentment against frequent stopping of e-buses after every few meters saying this leads to traffic congestion.

“E-buses are big vehicles and when these stop haphazardly this leads to traffic jams. Dedicated bus stops for this service will not only help in smooth traffic flow but  also ensure streamlining of service,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a commuter from Srinagar.

This reporter travelled in several e-buses to take a firsthand account of how the bus service navigates through the city. As the passengers said that they were thrilled with the service, they also complained of overloading. The passengers said that in absence of dedicated bus stops, e-buses stop after every few meters and hinder traffic behind it

“We are benefiting from the service immensely, but it should not be at the cost of halting traffic, including emergency services. Dedicated bus stops will ensure discipline and streamlining of the service,” said Altaf Ahmad, a passenger.

Naseer Ahmad, a driver of an e-bus, said that it becomes hectic when, after a few meters, passengers stop the bus. He admitted this also triggers traffic jams and causes inconvenience to commuters.

“This bus service has benefited thousands of passengers and made their life easy, but if there will be dedicated bus stops after short distances, it will ensure smooth operations,” he said.

Several female passengers traveling in e-bus also reiterated that the introduction of bus stops and more buses would strengthen the service. “It is an economical, comfortable, and safe travelling option, which is a great thing for us. Since the service is popular, people prefer it, which results in overloading, which should not happen. These things will take this service to the same level as privately owned buses,” said a female passenger.

General Manager of Planning at Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) Anuj Malhotra said that tenders will soon be floated to develop dedicated bus stops for smart city buses all over Srinagar city.

“We have bought more buses, and will ensure that infrastructure like bus stops are all over the city. We will float tenders in around a week, and soon, the work will be started on developing these bus stops,” Malhotra said.