Women-only bus service launched in Kashmir

Kashmir Valley’s first bus service for women only was started in Srinagar, much to the delight of the women folk who wanted its frequency to be increased. The exclusive Ladies Special Bus service, inaugurated by Kashmir’s Divisional Commissioner Asghar Samoon, would run in Srinagar city from 8 am to 6 pm daily.

The service would be provided by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) and private transporters on various routes of the city including Lal Chowk to Hazratbal, Lal Chowk to Soura and Nowgam Railway Station to Lal Chowk.

Three buses each will be deployed by JKSRTC and private transporters for the purpose. These buses will ply on hourly basis and Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir and General Manager, JKSRTC would monitor the service regularly.

Delighted by the launch of the services, women folk of the city termed the step as very good. “It is a very good step. We welcome it as it was the need of the hour,” said Falak, a student who travelled by the bus on the first day. Another passenger, Shamima, however, said the government should increase the frequency of the service. “It (the frequency) should be increased. The buses should ply regularly and round-the-clock,” she said.

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The government has decided that other routes of the city would be covered soon for which the concerned officials would submit a detailed plan within a fortnight.

First of it’s kind, this is a huge step. Though in Mumbai, the commercial metropolis, all suburban commuter trains have compartments specially meant only for ladies, though children of school-going age are also allowed to travel. Across India, all long distance train services have special compartments reserved for ladies only. Countries like Israel, Japan, India, Egypt, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates have already been following it.