Srinagar, Jun 11 (KNO): Over 10,000 people travelled through the Srinagar Smart City bus service during three-day Eid-ul-Adha festival culminating on Monday, officials said on Wednesday, crediting the city transport network for easing movement in key areas despite the heavy use of private vehicles.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a senior official from the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) said the buses remained functional all three days of Eid, ensuring that people could commute to and from markets, hospitals and residential neighbourhoods with ease.
“Although a majority of people in Srinagar prefer using their private vehicles during Eid celebrations, the Smart City buses still filled a crucial gap, especially for those who don’t have their own transport or were traveling within congested areas,” the official said.
He said the department had ensured proper deployment of buses ahead of the festival. “We had anticipated movement before and after prayers, especially around marketplaces, religious spots and hospitals. The deployment of Smart City buses was done accordingly, and the footfall exceeded 10,000 passengers in just three days,” he said.
The official said buses operated from various major pickup points, including Batamaloo, Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Hazratbal and other locations to cater to the needs of people. He added that special attention was given to ensure that the buses were running at regular intervals and were accessible to the general public without hassle.
“Even though the flow of private transport was high, there were several instances where roads were too congested or parking was unavailable. That’s where the bus service was a reliable option for people,” the official added.
Additionally, the Srinagar Smart City Limited has been working to strengthen the city’s public transport system, introducing modern, low-emission electric buses to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The in this regard said their efforts are aimed at building a commuter-friendly environment across the city—(KNO)