Srinagar to Witness Water Transport Revival After 3 Decades, Tendering Underway
Srinagar, Jan 22 (WD):
Srinagar to Witness Water Transport Revival After 3 Decades, Tendering Underway
Srinagar, Jan 22 (WD): After more than three decades, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is gearing up for the revival of water transport within the next month.
The revival is a flagship project initiated by Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) with the aim of reinstating a water-based public transport system in Srinagar City.
Last month, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, oversaw the agency selection for operating Water Transport Services in River Jhelum and Dal Lake in Srinagar. Stressing the need for an additional mode of transport, Bidhuri directed SSCL to finalize routes, fare structures, and promptly initiate the tendering process.
Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of SSCL, revealed to Wattan Daily that the water transport project is currently in the tendering phase.
“We anticipate starting the services within a month. This marks a revival after several decades, providing the public with an additional mode of transport. The water transport will contribute to zero carbon emissions, benefiting the environment, and also generate employment opportunities for the local population,” he stated.
Water transport was once prevalent and popular in Kashmir, transporting various goods such as timber, foodstuffs, vegetables, firewood, charcoal, and building materials. However, its usage declined significantly since the late 70s.(WD)
