Luxury bus services started between Srinagar- Delhi

The initiative will be based on PPP mode due to high cost: Transport Minister

Transport Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma flagged off a luxury bus which will ply from Srinagar to Delhi. The bus has been manufactured by Scania. The particular bus called Scania Metrolink is a multipurpose, medium and long distance coach.

Sharma, after flagging off the bus informed that as of now the venture will work on PPP mode as JKSRTC is not in a condition to afford it on its own. “This initiative will be under PPP mode. The bus will be owned by the operator and it will be controlled by us. Both the operator and the JKSRTC will be shareholders. Right now we are not in such a shape that we can procure more such buses. This bus costs between one to two crores. We are planning more such buses so as of now we are using the help of private operators, “said Sharma.

Sharma, who admitted that the roads in the valley are not yet fit for such a vehicle, however he assured that roads and tunnels which are under construction will be available for use before time. “The Udhampur-Jammu four lane format has been adopted till Banihal. As the MoS PWD I am overlooking that. The construction there is in full swing and before the deadline, it will be complete. The four lane roads, once complete will be apt for such buses. Also in July, we are expecting that Chinani-Nasri tunnel will be ready too.

He also added that the road widening process in Srinagar was slow as compared to Jammu. “ It was surely slow as the private company which was doing it they had some financial problems and they were not able to do it. Now all the issues have been resolved and you will see the difference very soon,” said Sharma.