Kashmir transporters call for strike on Monday over Smart City bus expansion

Transporters across the Kashmir division have called for a complete ‘chakka jam’ on Monday in protest against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to various districts, expressing concern over its impact on the local transport sector.

Representatives of the transport community said the move could jeopardize the livelihood of thousands of families dependent on private transport operations across the Valley.

Transporters’ representative Shabir Matta expressed strong resentment, stating that the decision threatens an already struggling sector. “Private operators are already grappling with multiple challenges, and the extension of Smart City buses to district routes has further deepened uncertainty,” he said.

The transport body maintained that while modernisation of public transport is important, it should not come at the cost of existing stakeholders. They urged the administration to review the decision and hold consultations with transporters to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.

Announcing the protest, transporters said services will remain suspended across the Valley on Monday as part of the shutdown. They appealed to the public for cooperation while urging authorities to step in to prevent inconvenience to commuters.

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Trade Alliance on Saturday urged the J&K government to urgently address the grievances of transporters ahead of the strike call.

In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar appealed to the authorities to initiate dialogue with the protesting transporters and resolve the issues amicably to avoid disruption to trade and daily life.

“The government should listen to their issues and amicably resolve the matter,” Shahdhar said, stressing that prolonged uncertainty could adversely impact business activities across the Valley.

He warned that any strike by the transport sector would have a cascading effect on the supply chain, affecting movement of essential goods and inconveniencing the general public.

The KTA president further urged both the government and transporters to engage in constructive discussions and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution at the earliest.