In a major embarrassment for the admin the electric bus service that began with much pomp and show has now been banned in Srinagar.
Maxi Cabs which operated from in and outside Batamaloo vicinity by Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) will not be seen on city roads anytime soon now.
The electric buses, first of its kind, aimed at providing a pollution-free transport system in the city were inaugurated by former lieutenant Governor Satya Pal in 2019.
The operation of electric bus service was a step towards providing eco-friendly public transportation with modern facilities to the commuters. The e-buses aimed in reducing the pollution levels in the city with people largely utilising public transport for their daily travel in a bid to contribute towards environment preservation.
Last week Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir P K Pole appealed for immediate stop of illegal operation of Maxi Cabs from in and outside Batamaloo vicinity, besides, submitted that no Maxi Cab be allowed to cross Parimpora Bus Stand point from north and north-east areas of Kashmir division.
JKRTC M.D, Angreez Singh Rana said that that the JKRTC with a major expansion of its existing fleet with addition of more than 500 new buses and trucks in phased manner as part restructuring plan to make once ‘bankrupt’ corporation a profitable enterprise has again been turned back.
“I am writing to the higher authorities including Advisor Bhatnagar, who is also the Chairman of RTC to withdraw the decision of banning fleets in the city as it will lead to the brink of bankruptcy”, Raina added
The commuters have appealed to the top brass of administration to allow operation of SRTC service from GBS Batamaloo and e-buses in the city.