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Pvt transporters protest against expansion of smart buses in Valley
Private transporters in Kashmir staged a chakka-jam on April 20, 2026, opposing plans to expand government-run smart buses beyond Srinagar. The strike disrupted public transport across the valley, though autos, e-rickshaws, and some government buses continued to operate. The protest highlights tensions between transport modernization and the livelihoods of private operators.
Why It Matters
The event underscores friction between government plans to expand smart-city bus services and the private transport sector, with potential widespread impact on daily commuters in Kashmir.
Timeline
2 Events
Chakka-jam protest against expansion of smart bus services
April 20, 2026
On April 20, 2026, private transporters staged a 'chakka-jam' across the Kashmir Valley to protest plans to expand government-run smart buses to districts beyond Srinagar. The strike led to a reduction or halt in public transport services operated by private operators in various parts of the Valley, though autos, e-rickshaws, and government-run smart buses were still running. Transporters warned that expansion would hurt thousands of jobs and cited concerns that extending the smart-bus fleet to rural areas would affect their livelihoods and already suffering revenues.
Introduction of smart electric buses in Srinagar
2023
Smart electric buses equipped with air conditioning and cameras were introduced in Srinagar in 2023, with an initial deployment of 100 such buses to improve public transport and modernise traffic management in the city.