Budgam, Jan 02: Inaugurated with much fanfare in the last week of November 2018 by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir (RTO) and concerned Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), the Budgam-Srinagar cab service via Bemina, has disappeared from the route in just a month.
After the light motor vehicle service for passengers was kick started, commuters thanked concerned authorities for accepting their long-pending demand. However, today same people are up in arms against officials for not making it a success.
“The transport department has failed to keep vigil on the service which resulted into its end within a span of 30 days,” commuters said.
Initially, 12 vehicles (Sumo/Tavera) were plying on the route with six each from Budgam and Srinagar. According to ARTO the number was supposed to increase as per the requirement, but today not even a single cab is seen on the route.
Sources said that among 12 vehicles, six having lack of documentation, were seized by traffic police which forced service operators to cease its operation.
“Sumo owners had to pay a hefty amount to get their vehicles released. Now they aren’t ready to operate on this route,” they said.
Besides official apathy, the commuters opined that there could be a nexus between mini-bus and sumo stand operators to benefit the former.
Read Also: Cab service begins on Budgam-Srinagar route, commuters relieved
Meanwhile, Budgam ARTO Mubashir Jan said that three cabs are operating from Budgam. He added that vehicles are not allowed to stop in Srinagar and they are being challaned without any reason.
Admitting that sumo drivers are facing problems in Srinagar, RTO Kashmir Ikramullah Tak said, “As per the directions of High Court, no sumo can enter Srinagar city.” Tak said that the issue would be sorted out in few days.
Pertinently, the 8-Km Budgam-Bemina road is the shortest route to Srinagar and its major hospitals.
