The ongoing drive to impound taxis operating from the entry and exit points of the erstwhile Batamaloo bus stand and other parts of the city has increased the problems for commuters.
In the absence of any alternative modes of transport to the city centre, passengers are stranded, particularly during evenings when public transport disappears from Srinagar roads.
Lateef Ahmad, who drives a taxi from the city to other districts, said the decision to not allow taxis into the city and the impounding of vehicles by the traffic authorities had hit the “their livelihood badly”. “It (the decision to not allow taxis into city) has created problems for everyone,” Lateef said.
For violating the Jammu and Kashmir High Court orders, the Traffic Police have so far impounded 403 taxis and other public transport vehicles from the entry and exit points of the erstwhile Batamaloo bus stand, which has been shifted to Parimpora on the outskirts of the city.
The step, as per the High Court orders, is aimed at decongesting the city roads and streamlining the traffic.
Riyaz Ahmad, who commutes daily between Anantnag town in south Kashmir and Srinagar city, said if traffic rules were followed in letter and spirit and passenger stops were designated for the taxis, there will be no traffic congestion on city streets.
“The commuters have to reach their respective destinations in time, so the availability of viable and fast modes of transport is necessary,” he said, adding that in the light of the High Court orders and the subsequent drive by the Traffic Police to impound taxis, a majority of the south Kashmir-bound passengers like him were forced to board two vehicles to reach Srinagar or travel back home.
Riyaz deboards the first taxi at Pantha Chowk on the city outskirts and then hops on to another passenger vehicle to reach his work place at Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar.
The decision has, however, hit taxi drivers, some of whom are taking up other work to earn their livelihood.
Abrar, a taxi driver, said drivers would now have to find alternative ways of livelihood. “We will be forced to sell socks and tea at Batamaloo Chowk if the situation continues to be like this,” he said.
In a recent advisory, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Srinagar, said: “We want to communicate to all public service vehicle operators that they should not violate the Hon’ble High Court orders and desist from operating from the erstwhile Batamaloo Bus stand or its entry and exit points. Any vehicle found operating from these points shall be seized and can only be released from the High Court. Even the route permit shall be cancelled (for violation of court order).” Imtiyaz Khan, a driver, said: “Before taking the decision and banning the entry of taxis into the city, the High Court should have first taken care of the livelihood of hundreds of drivers and also taken into account the problems faced by commuters.”
Move to impound taxis operating from batamaloo leaves drivers, commuters in a spot
