Reviving Tradition: Water Transport Resumes in Srinagar After Three Decades

Reviving Tradition: Water Transport Resumes in Srinagar After Three Decades

VoM News Desk | January 22, 2024 | 10:49 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir, Srinagar | Follow on Google News

Reviving Tradition: Water Transport Resumes in Srinagar After Three Decades

Reviving Tradition: Water Transport Resumes in Srinagar After Three Decades

After a hiatus spanning over three decades, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is on the brink of witnessing a resurgence in water transport within the next month. This landmark initiative is part of the flagship project by Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), with a mission to breathe new life into the water-based public transport system in the city.

Milestone Progress: Tendering Underway for Water Transport Services

In a significant step toward the project’s realization, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, recently oversaw the selection of the agency tasked with operating Water Transport Services in River Jhelum and Dal Lake in Srinagar. Stressing the need for a water transport system as an additional mode of transport, Bidhuri directed SSCL to promptly finalize routes, fare structures, and swiftly issue tenders.

Anuj Malhotra, the General Manager of SSCL, provided insights into the current status of the water transport project, mentioning it is currently in the tendering process. He anticipates the commencement of services within a month, marking a historic revival after several decades.

Environmental Triumph: Zero Carbon Emission and Job Opportunities

Malhotra emphasized the significance of this endeavor, expressing joy for the public. The reintroduction of water transport not only adds to the available public transport options but also aligns with environmental goals by ensuring zero carbon emissions. This eco-friendly aspect is a positive step towards sustainable and green transportation.

Moreover, the General Manager highlighted that the revival of water services is poised to create job opportunities for the local populace, contributing to economic development and livelihoods.

Rekindling the Past: Water Transport’s Historic Importance in Kashmir

The historical relevance of water transport in Kashmir is acknowledged, with its widespread use for transporting various goods in the past, including timber, foodstuffs, vegetables, firewood, charcoal, and building materials. However, the practice dwindled from the late ’70s onwards. The impending revival holds promise not only as a mode of commuting but also as a nod to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.