Procurement of around 50 buses in final stage, deployment likely in 1st week of Nov
Arvind Sharma
Jammu Tawi, Oct 21: The public transport in Jammu and Srinagar is all set to receive a major boost with the introduction of seven-metre-long electric mini-buses aimed at improving passenger convenience, reducing pollution and strengthening connectivity on the cities’ narrow roads.
According to official sources, Jammu and Srinagar, the two capital cities of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), are preparing to introduce smaller electric buses to meet the growing demand for convenient and environment-friendly urban transport.
While 12-metre-long electric buses are already operating in Jammu, the proposed seven-metre electric mini-buses will be deployed for the first time in J&K to improve connectivity in the areas where larger buses face operational difficulties.
Under the initiative of Jammu and Srinagar Smart City Limited, seven-metre electric mini-buses are being procured to strengthen public transport on internal roads of both Jammu and Srinagar.
The procurement of around 50 electric mini-buses for Jammu is reportedly in its final stage, with preparations underway for their deployment.
The smaller e-buses are expected to be particularly useful in densely populated neighbourhoods and areas with narrow roads, where conventional buses find it difficult to manoeuvre.
Their introduction could help commuters access public transport more conveniently and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Unlike conventional diesel-powered mini-buses, electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions while operating.
Their deployment is, therefore, expected to contribute to reducing air pollution and supporting the administration’s efforts to promote cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility.
The new buses could also benefit daily commuters, including students, office-goers and residents of inner-city areas who often depend on public transport for their everyday journeys.
Better access to smaller buses may improve connectivity between residential neighbourhoods, markets and other important destinations.
The initiative assumes significance as both Jammu and Srinagar continue to face increasing traffic pressure amid expanding urban activity.
Introducing buses suited to local road conditions could help make public transport more accessible and encourage more people to use shared mobility services.
The introduction of seven-metre electric mini-buses is expected to strengthen the existing electric-bus network and provide a more practical transport option for areas that are difficult to serve with larger vehicles.
The move marks another step towards modernising urban transport in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on passenger convenience, improved connectivity and environmentally sustainable mobility.