Srinagar, Apr 18: Kashmir’s transport sector on Saturday announced a complete valley-wide chakka jam on Monday, April 20, escalating concerns over the government’s expansion of Smart City bus services into district routes.
The protest, called by the All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association, comes amid growing resentment among private transport operators who say the extension of Smart City buses beyond Srinagar city limits is directly threatening the survival of thousands of families dependent on buses, sumos, taxis and mini-passenger vehicles.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Transport Association Kashmir President Shabir Matta said the private transport sector has been pushed into crisis due to policy decisions taken without proper consultation with stakeholders.
He alleged that the introduction of Smart City buses in routes covering Pulwama, Kangan, Sopore, Magam and other districts has created unequal competition, particularly for small and mid-scale transporters already burdened by loan liabilities, fuel prices, maintenance costs and declining passenger volume.
He said many operators had hoped the government would regulate route allocations in a balanced manner, but instead, public buses were introduced on routes where private operators had traditionally depended for income.
Matta further said the transporters are not opposing development or modern public transport systems, but are demanding a policy framework that protects those already working in the sector.
Repeated assurances from authorities regarding permit rationalisation, fleet regulation and operational coordination were never implemented, leading to frustration among unions,” he said.
The association said Monday’s shutdown is only the first step and warned that if authorities fail to respond, transport bodies from north, south, and central Kashmir will jointly decide the next phase of agitation. “That could include indefinite strikes, route blockades, coordinated demonstrations and legal action,” he said.
Transport leaders appealed to the public for understanding, saying their protest is aimed at highlighting “policy failures” rather than creating inconvenience.
With the strike expected to affect buses, minibuses, taxis and other passenger services, commuters across the Valley may face serious travel disruption on Monday. Students, office-goers, patients and daily wage workers are likely to be the most affected, particularly in areas with limited alternative transport—(KNO)
