Transport sector in dire straits; 1.15 lakh vehicles grounded since last 108 Days

Transport sector in Kashmir is in dire straits as the unrest has left over 1.15 lakh vehicles grounded with stakeholders (owners, drivers and conductors) finding it hard to eke out livelihood.
Although every sector of Kashmir economy has suffered in the ongoing unrest, transport and tourism are the worst hit.

The passenger transport could not operate even during relaxations in the shutdowns by the resistance camp.
As per figures dished out by the joint conglomerate of transporters – Kashmir Transport Welfare Association- there are around 1.15 lakh passenger and commercial vehicles in the Valley, which are grounded for the last more than 100 days.
Secretary Transport Welfare Association, Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf said that transport sector has been the worst hit by the unrest as during past over 100 days they could not even operate for an hour.

Yusuf said of the 1.15 lakh vehicles, 35,000 are maxi-cabs which include passenger carriers, mini-buses, etc. “Besides, there are 14,500 auto rickshaws of which 12,000 are in Srinagar district alone, around 7,000 big buses and in commercial segment we have around 50,000 vehicles including tippers, trucks, load carriers etc.”
He said a transporter on an average loses Rs 1500 per day. “Not just that, every transporter has to pay toll tax, passenger tax and fitness fee. Besides, if he is indebted to bank, he has to pay 14.5 per cent interest over and above the instalment,” he said, adding that the transporters are incurring losses as they are hopeful the Kashmir issue will be resolved. “It is question of prestige and dignity.”
The condition of some drivers and conductors is miserable. “Honestly speaking, I haven’t earned a penny in last 106 days. Whatever little saving I had done previously, have now exhausted,” said Ali Muhammad Bhat, a driver, who drives a mini-bus on contract basis for 15,000 a month.
“I have left with nothing now. During past few days I have borrowed money to feed my family,” he said, adding that the resistance leadership should think about them also.
“Shopkeepers open their shops during the relaxation after 5 PM, but what would a transporter do after 5 PM?” he asked, adding that announcement to collect money for transporters is very “disturbing” for me.
“I am labourer, I would prefer to die working rather than begging,” he said.