Transport sector in Kashmir continues to be one of the worst hit areas economically. The sector has incurred losses of Rs 200 crore in the ongoing lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This follows the earlier losses suffered in the aftermath of abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019. In total an estimated loss of Rs 700 crores has been registered since 2019.
General Secretary Transport Kashmir, Mohammad Yousuf said, “Transporters are worst hit by the lockdown not only due to the pandemic, but we are suffering since Aug 5, 2019, after the abrogation of Article 370.”
“We are in loss of over Rs 700 crore from Aug 2019 which includes Rs 200 crore loss from April 2021 in a fresh lockdown imposed by the administration following Covid-19 spread,” Yousuf said.
Yousuf said, “In previous lockdowns we were asked to carry only 50 per cent seat capacity and the fare was increased by 30 per cent. But in the ongoing lockdown administration has ordered for 50 per cent seat capacity but no fare rate has been increased after an ease in the current lockdown.”
“Price of petrol and diesel prices are already touching the sky and we have been asked to move only with 50 per cent seat capacity and no hike in the fare price. How can we continue our business with this arrangement,” he further added.
“Administration earlier had initiated a relief process in form of insurance of Rs 5000 for minibuses and Rs 3000 for sumo and Tavera and Rs 2000 for auto-rickshaws respectively. Unfortunately only 200 to 300 transporters has received that amount while rest didn’t get a single penny.”
“We appeal to the government to reinitiate the pending relief process. Jammu transporters have already received the money but we are being ignored,” he was quoted as saying. KNO