Over 3.5 Lakh Women Benefit from Free Bus Service in Jammu & Kashmir in First Week: SRINAGAR: The free bus service for women, launched on April 1 in Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded over 3.5 lakh passengers within its first week of operation.
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The initiative, aimed at improving women’s mobility and access to public transport, has received positive response. Women from both urban and rural areas are using the service to commute to schools, colleges, workplaces, and markets.
According to details, bus stops now see high footfall, particularly during peak hours—8 to 10 AM, midday, and 4 to 6 PM.
Smart City data accessed by a KNO correspondent indicates that daily ridership on electric buses has doubled since the scheme began. “Earlier, around 20,000 to 21,000 passengers used the service. That number has now exceeded 40,000,” said an official.At present, more than 95 air-conditioned electric buses operate on over 30 routes, carrying nearly 50,000 women passengers each day.
Passengers have welcomed the move. “More than half of my salary was spent on daily travel. Now I can save that amount for essentials,” said a working woman from the outskirts of Srinagar.
Officials noted the social impact of the initiative, particularly in empowering women and reducing reliance on private or unsafe transport. “To ensure long-term viability, authorities are exploring funding mechanisms and government subsidies,” an official added. (KNO)