SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir Government has admitted that the Srinagar Smart City’s flagship electric bus service, introduced to modernise public transport in the Valley, is running deep in losses, with the operation incurring a daily deficit of Rs 9.74 lakh.
According to official data presented in the Legislative Assembly, the running cost of each e-bus kilometre in Kashmir stands at Rs 60.74, while the average earning per kilometre is only Rs 12, leaving a loss of Rs 48.74 for every kilometre operated.
The situation is equally unsustainable in the Jammu Division, where the cost per kilometre is Rs 62.65 against an earning of Rs 10.01, resulting in a daily loss of Rs 10 lakh. The figures reveal that despite high operational costs and limited passenger revenue, the service continues to run at a massive financial deficit.
In response to a question tabled by legislator Mian Mehar Ali, the Government said there is no proposal at present to extend the smart bus service to Kangan, nor any plan yet to rationalise fare or frequency structures for the Srinagar–Kangan route.
Currently, 98 e-buses operate across Srinagar under the Smart City initiative, covering routes from Parimpora to Harwan, Jehangir Chowk to Hazratbal, Pantha Chowk to Narbal, and several other corridors including Budgam, Pampore, and Khrew. In Ganderbal district, 12 buses are plying on different routes catering to local commuters.
The Government also noted that private bus operators have been protesting, alleging that the free and subsidised e-bus rides are hurting their earnings and market share. Despite the heavy losses, the administration has continued to operate the fleet as part of its sustainable mobility push, aimed at reducing emissions and easing congestion in urban areas.
While the Smart City buses have been praised for improving last-mile connectivity and offering modern amenities, officials now face a growing challenge, balancing environmental goals with mounting operational losses. -(KL)
