Srinagar, June 20 : In a move that has sparked growing public debate, questions are being raised over the apparent disparity in the government’s transport policy: if Smart City buses operated under government authority are allowed to enter Srinagar city from rural areas without restriction, why are Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses being barred from the same access?
JKRTC buses have long served as a vital and affordable mode of transport for daily commuters, especially students and low-income workers, during peak morning and evening hours. In contrast, the newly introduced Smart City buses operate throughout the day, navigating Srinagar’s core routes freely.
Critics argue that this differential treatment between two government-controlled services is both illogical and unjust. With JKRTC already grappling with financial losses for over two decades, this exclusionary policy could push the corporation into further crisis possibly to the point of closure.
“This is not just about buses it’s about priorities,” said a transport analyst who wished to remain anonymous. “How can one government wing be favoured while another is systematically sidelined? The RTC is being strangled economically.”
Voices from the ground, including former RTC employees and public transport users, are urging the administration to revisit its decision. They suggest that instead of limiting RTC’s role, the government should consider modernizing its services and integrating them into the Smart City transport framework thereby ensuring fairness, sustainability, and public convenience.
As transport policies shape urban access and economic equity, the government is now under increasing pressure to clarify its stance and take corrective measures before it’s too late.
