Jammu, Transporters in Jammu have taken to the streets in protest against the administration’s decision to introduce electric buses (e-buses), which they claim is negatively impacting their livelihoods.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration was organized by the All Jammu and Transporter Welfare Association. Scores of private transporters gathered in the Warehouse area of Jammu city to voice their opposition to the administration’s move to deploy e-buses on long routes without proper consultation. Protesters chanted slogans, decrying the decision as illegal.
Vijay Singh Chib, the president of the association, criticized the administration for breaching a previous agreement with transporters that e-buses would operate only on routes that were either not covered or were less congested. Instead, e-buses were introduced on busy routes, directly competing with private transporters and affecting their income. Chib highlighted the financial strain on transporters, many of whom are struggling to pay off loans used to purchase their vehicles, exacerbated by the new competition from e-buses.
The protest reflects ongoing tensions between the administration and private transporters, who feel their concerns and contributions were ignored during three months of discussions. The introduction of e-buses has been framed as a significant threat to their economic well-being, with many transporters claiming they are barely able to support their families due to the reduced income.