In a move towards eco-friendly public transport, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and CEO of Srinagar Smart City, Owais Ahmad on Tuesday said SSCL plans to extend electric bus (E-Bus) services to north Kashmir, particularly Handwara, Bandipora and Kupwara.’
Speaking on the development, Ahmad said the demand for E-Bus services in these districts has been acknowledged, and feasibility studies are underway. “The distances to these areas are manageable, and if charging stations are required, we have the provisions to establish them,” he said.
Owais further revealed that an additional fleet of 100 E-Buses is expected under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme. “At present, we have 100 E-Buses in operation, and another 100 are in the pipeline. The tendering process is ongoing at a centralised level, and we hope to announce the rollout date soon,” he added.
Residents of north Kashmir have welcomed the initiative, saying that E-Buses will be a cost-effective and reliable mode of transport. “This is a much-needed service, especially for students and patients who travel frequently. It will be cheaper and more convenient than private transport,” said Javid Ahmad, a student from Handwara.
Farooq Ahmad, a daily commuter from Bandipora, said, “Currently, we spend a lot on travel, and private transport is not always reliable. E-buses will reduce costs and ensure a comfortable journey.”
Meanwhile, Ahmad assured that SMC is fully prepared to tackle any weather-related challenges, with dewatering pumps and other machinery in place.
The introduction of E-Buses to these districts aligns with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable urban mobility while making public transport more efficient and affordable for the people of north Kashmir.
