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Kashmir transporters oppose smart city bus expansion

19 Apr 2026

On Monday, Kashmir's transporters will embark on a strike, voicing their dissent against the Smart City initiative that plans to expand bus services to district areas. The transport community fears that this will jeopardize their means of income, with many private operators already struggling under the weight of loans and escalated operational costs.
Kashmir transporters oppose smart city bus expansion

Transporters in Kashmir to Go on Strike Against Smart City Initiative

Kashmir Transport Strike: Private Operators Fear Jeopardizing their Income

Transporters across the Kashmir division are set to embark on a strike on Monday in protest against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to various Valley districts.

The decision has sparked concerns among the transport sector representatives, who fear that the move could impact their livelihoods and push thousands of families of private transporters into poverty.

Transporters' Concerns:

  • Existing private operators are already grappling with multiple challenges, including loan liabilities, rising fuel prices, and maintenance costs.
  • The introduction of Smart City buses on inter-district routes has created an unfair competition, making it difficult for private operators to sustain their business.
  • Declining passenger volume is further exacerbating the financial woes of private transporters.

"While modernisation of public transport is important, it should not come at the cost of existing stakeholders," said Shabir Matta, a representative of the transport sector.

Strike Details:

Transporters have decided to suspend all services across the Valley on Monday, appealing to the public to cooperate and urging the administration to review the decision.

The administration has been asked to hold consultations with transporters to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.

"We have to face the burden of loan liabilities, rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and declining passenger volume," said Matta.

Call for Support:

The transport community is urging the public to stand in solidarity with them and support their cause.

The administration is being called upon to review the decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with transporters to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.