SRINAGAR: After the completion of the route integration plan, traffic authorities in Kashmir are ready to commence bus services on 11 routes in Srinagar, officials stated on Monday.
The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) for Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, announced that they are prepared to initiate the bus service on 11 routes with a fleet of 185 minibuses. Officials from the department and transport associations will be present at every station..
“We have completed the route integration process and from tomorrow we are going to start a full-scale bus service on 11 routes,” he said.
The RTO Kashmir has sent a letter to all Mini-Bus Transport Unions/Associations instructing them to operate Mini/Medium-Buses on specific routes from 04-04-2023 between 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The letter also requires the vehicles to display a Route Plate indicating the route number, measuring at least 1 foot by 9 inches.
“As far as your internal arrangements are concerned, you may pool in your vehicles onto these routes in the proportion of your existing vehicle fleets affiliated with respective unions/associations. It may also be noted that this route arrangement is also subject to change, on working efficiency, on public review and feedback,” stated the letter.
The RTO Kashmir revealed that they have incorporated 10 JKSRTC buses on some routes, in addition to privately-owned mini buses. “The service will ply at a time interval of every 15-20 minutes on all routes,” he said, emphasizing the convenience for commuters. “I want people to come and avail of the services.”
The RTO authorities in Kashmir have allocated 45 minibuses for circular route number seven (07), running from Qamarwari to the cement bridge, Noorbagh, Seki Dafar, NawaKadal, Rajouri Kadal, Bohri Kadal, Khanyar, Dalgate, Residency road, Lal Chowk, H.S.H.S, Jahangir Chowk, Batamaloo, Bemina crossing, and back to Qamarwari. “According to the newly framed integrated route plan,” this arrangement was made.
Additionally, the route plan specifies that 10 minibuses have been assigned for route number three (03) from Pantha Chowk to Soura, and 20 minibuses for route number four (04) from Chadoora to Soura. Moreover, 15 minibuses are allocated for route number one (01) from Budgam bus stand to Hazratbal, 10 minibuses for route ten (10) from Panthachowk bypass to Narbal passing through the bypass road connecting JVC and children’s hospital, and 20 minibuses from Parimpora to Hazratbal.
Last month, the RTO Kashmir authorities stated that they carried out the route integration exercise to streamline the public transport service arriving in Srinagar.
