Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Dec 16: With the aim of improving commutes, the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) is set to establish 360 modern bus stops across Srinagar, initially focusing on routes currently served by the ‘Srinagar Bus.’
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Officials told Excelsior that locations for the new bus stops have been identified, while existing ones will be upgraded based on feasibility and need.
“We have identified 360 locations across Srinagar through various surveys where ultra-modern bus stops will be established to enhance commuting,” said Dr. Owais Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SSCL.
He added that tendering for the project has been completed and emphasized that the initiative will further improve public transportation through the ‘Srinagar Bus,’ which is already operational on over a dozen routes in the city.
“These bus stops will vary in size and will be tailored to the needs of specific locations. Wherever necessary, existing stops will be upgraded. The goal is to ensure seamless commutes for passengers, which have already improved with the introduction of the ‘Srinagar Bus,'” he said.
Officials also noted that the bus stops will be designed to improve accessibility for passengers interested in river transport in Srinagar city.
“These stops will be established in a way that facilitates passengers wishing to use river transport, which is also in the pipeline,” they said.
Another SSCL official, Syed Suhaib Naqshbandi, who is overseeing the project, highlighted the features of these bus stops.
“These stops will be ultra-modern, equipped with digital displays to provide passengers with real-time information about bus routes and other necessary details to assist their commute,” Naqshbandi said.
He added, “There will also be maps, similar to those in metro services, showing passengers their current location and the route ahead to help them plan their journey.”
To start with, the focus will be on existing routes served by the ‘Srinagar Bus.’ Naqshbandi stressed that the new bus stops will strengthen the infrastructure supporting the current bus service in Srinagar.
“Initially, the focus will be on existing routes within the smart city. Other areas will be covered accordingly, and the survey for this is ongoing,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that under SSCL, 15 routes have been identified for the ‘Srinagar Bus,’ which currently operates a fleet of 100 buses.
Meanwhile, Dr. Owais informed Excelsior that 100 more e-buses will soon be added to the fleet under a Central Government scheme.
“We are expecting the new buses shortly, as tendering and other processes are being carried out by the Government,” he said.
The locals have also appreciated the move to establish these bus stops, noting that it will help address the issue of frequent, unregulated halts by the e-buses. They stated that such stops not only disrupt the journey but also increase travel time unnecessarily.
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