R S Pura/Jammu: Traditional horse-driven tongas, once a common mode of transport in the border areas of Jammu, are seeing an increase in the number of takers in the R S Pura sector following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation.
The tongas, which historically ferried passengers between Jammu and Sialkot before Independence, have continued to survive in parts of R S Pura for more than seven decades. Locals and tourists alike have been opting for the eco-friendly transport for entertainment as part of border tourism and for short-distance travel in villages near the International Border.
“We have been running tongas here for decades. Before 1947, people used to travel from Sialkot to Jammu in tongas. Over the years, this tradition went out of fashion, but now, after the Prime Minister’s appeal, locals are once again using tongas for short-distance movement in villages,” said Teja Singh, a traditional tanga operator.
He said tonga operators continue to assemble in the area every Saturday and Sunday to keep the tradition alive.
Another operator, Rattan Singh, said people have started preferring tongas again as fuel-saving measures gain momentum across the country.
“From Zero Line to R S Pura, people use tongas for commuting. Earlier, people depended more on fuel-powered vehicles, but now, with the emphasis on saving fuel, tongas have started running again. Horse-driven tongas do not require fuel. So, people are considering them a better option,” he said.
The renewed interest comes amid wider efforts to conserve fuel, including reduced vehicle movement and awareness campaigns encouraging alternatives to petrol and diesel-run transport.
Many tourists who visited the border belt welcomed the revival of the traditional mode of transport.
A group of tourists — Davain, Dharmi, Lacha Patel, Rahi and Pavitra — said tonga rides not only help save fuel but also offer a glimpse into the region’s heritage and rural lifestyle.
“Such traditional modes of transport help in conserving fuel. Arrangements like tongas are not only better for the environment but also keep our traditions alive. Such rides should be promoted in tourism and border areas,” said Rahi.
The visitors said riding a tonga reconnects people with their cultural roots and reflects the bond between humans and animals while remaining environmentally friendly.
“A tonga ride is not just a means of travel, but also a part of our old cultural identity. Modern technology has its own place, but it is equally important to preserve our culture and traditions,” they said.
