Transport Order Ends Sleeper Services to Srinagar, Jammu Drivers See Demand Rise
Srinagar, May 3, KNT: The Transport Commissioner has barred sleeper buses from operating on the Jammu–Srinagar route, a move aimed at improving safety on the mountainous highway, while drawing support from the Jammu Sleeper Bus Association and reshaping the region’s passenger transport dynamics.
The order effectively ends sleeper coach services to Srinagar, requiring passengers to rely on standard buses and other modes of transport on the route. Officials said the decision was taken in view of safety concerns associated with operating sleeper buses on hilly terrain.
The development assumes significance as the Jammu–Srinagar highway serves as a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, handling a high volume of daily passenger traffic.
Transport sector participants said the move is expected to redistribute passenger load across conventional bus operators, particularly those based in Jammu, leading to increased occupancy and trip frequency. With sleeper buses typically carrying large numbers of passengers in a single journey, their removal is likely to spread demand across multiple vehicles.
Operators said this shift could translate into improved earnings for drivers of standard buses, as more vehicles will be required to cater to the same volume of commuters. The absence of sleeper coaches is also expected to reduce competition from high-capacity private operators, giving smaller transporters a larger share of passengers.
Members of the Jammu Sleeper Bus Association have welcomed the decision, aligning with the administration’s safety rationale. The association’s response indicates acceptance of regulatory concerns surrounding sleeper operations on mountainous routes, where road conditions and gradients pose additional risks.
Transporters further noted that sleeper buses often operate with competitive pricing structures, and their withdrawal may lead to more stable fare conditions for conventional services. This could provide better per-trip returns for drivers and operators working on the route.
While authorities have emphasized safety as the primary reason behind the order, the decision also carries economic implications for the transport sector. Increased reliance on standard buses is expected to generate more trips, potentially raising daily income cycles for Jammu-based drivers.
The order marks a significant regulatory intervention in Jammu and Kashmir’s road transport sector, balancing safety considerations with evolving market dynamics on one of the region’s busiest highways. [KNT]
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