Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 5: Recently introduced Srinagar Smart buses went off the road briefly today, causing commuters to face issues in moving around, especially during the morning hours.
The buses were halted following a brief protest by bus drivers and conductors who demanded redressal of their grievances, including action in a recent incident of assault in Srinagar.
The drivers stated that they have raised a number of issues they are facing with the concerned hiring agency time and again, and that these issues have not been resolved to date.
“One of the bus operators was assaulted near Batamaloo by a passenger on Sunday. We demanded the registration of an FIR in this regard; however, the same was not done, prompting us to take the buses off the road as a mark of protest,” said one of the drivers.
However, officials of the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) told ‘Excelsior’ that the drivers and conductors did not have any issues with them and were up against the hiring agency, seeking the redressal of their issues.
“Now, the matter has been resolved, and the buses have resumed operation on the designated routes. In some time, the buses will be spread across the city, and people can avail the service,” added another official.
The officials mentioned that the demand for the registration of an FIR against the person who assaulted one of the bus operators will also be looked into, and the necessary action in this regard will be taken.
It is to be noted that from the morning until 3 PM, the buses remained halted at Pantha Chowk, and it was only after 3 PM that the buses finally started moving on their routes. However, until 5 PM, the buses were available only on a few city routes, which improved later with the thin presence
This led to further trouble for people, especially those heading back to their homes, disrupting the seamless transport service that had improved after the introduction of these buses.
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