Jammu And Kashmir To Add 200 Smart E-Buses, Maintain Free Travel

03 Jul 2026 CW Team

Officials have indicated that the procurement process is in advanced stages and that the new buses are expected to be deployed over the coming months. The additional fleet will be equipped with air conditioning, GPS tracking and smart ticketing systems to enhance passenger comfort, safety and operational reliability. The Transport Department has also initiated plans for a further procurement of 200 smart buses as part of a longer term strategy to replace conventional diesel vehicles.

The administration plans to extend services to underserved villages and to improve links to key tourist circuits, with routing and scheduling designed to support local mobility needs. Officials anticipate that improved public transport will encourage modal shift away from private vehicles and reduce local emissions, contributing to broader environmental objectives. The introduction of the first electric buses in 2023 had already improved service levels by offering more reliable schedules and smoother onboard amenities.

Transport Department Secretary Avny Lavasa acknowledged that the free bus travel scheme for women may affect fare revenues but stressed its broader social benefits and the welfare rationale behind the policy. The administration has confirmed that free travel for women will continue on the smart buses and on other government operated services across the Union Territory. Officials said that implementation details, including route allocation and maintenance arrangements, will be finalised as procurement progresses.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Jammu and Kashmir administration will add 200 smart electric buses in Srinagar and Jammu, effectively doubling the existing smart fleet to strengthen eco-friendly public transport in the Union Territory. The expansion is intended to improve connectivity to rural areas and tourist destinations and to meet rising demand for low-emission travel. Under the Srinagar Smart City Limited project, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved 100 e-buses for Srinagar and 100 for Jammu. Officials have indicated that the procurement process is in advanced stages and that the new buses are expected to be deployed over the coming months. The additional fleet will be equipped with air conditioning, GPS tracking and smart ticketing systems to enhance passenger comfort, safety and operational reliability. The Transport Department has also initiated plans for a further procurement of 200 smart buses as part of a longer term strategy to replace conventional diesel vehicles. The administration plans to extend services to underserved villages and to improve links to key tourist circuits, with routing and scheduling designed to support local mobility needs. Officials anticipate that improved public transport will encourage modal shift away from private vehicles and reduce local emissions, contributing to broader environmental objectives. The introduction of the first electric buses in 2023 had already improved service levels by offering more reliable schedules and smoother onboard amenities. Transport Department Secretary Avny Lavasa acknowledged that the free bus travel scheme for women may affect fare revenues but stressed its broader social benefits and the welfare rationale behind the policy. The administration has confirmed that free travel for women will continue on the smart buses and on other government operated services across the Union Territory. Officials said that implementation details, including route allocation and maintenance arrangements, will be finalised as procurement progresses.

Products

03 Jul 2026

AFC Furniture Targets Pune and Nagpur Expansion

AFC Furniture Solutions has announced its expansion into Maharashtra's key commercial hubs, targeting Pune's technology corridors and Nagpur's Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport (MIHAN) as part of its western India growth strategy.The company expects western India to contribute 25–30 per cent of its revenue, supported by demand from over 900 companies across Hinjewadi's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and non-SEZ locations, as well as businesses in the MIHAN region. According to Cushman & Wakefield, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) accounted for 69 per cent of Pune's office leas..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jul 2026

PM Modi to Open Jodhpur Airport Terminal and Pachpadra Refinery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jodhpur and Balotra in Rajasthan on July four to inaugurate the HPCL Rajasthan Oil Refinery and the newly built terminal of Jodhpur airport, the state Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said. The announcement said the Prime Minister will arrive from New Delhi to dedicate the ultra-modern airport terminal and then proceed to Pachpadra-Balotra for the refinery inauguration. Local authorities have begun operational preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the functions and VVIP movement. The project at Pachpadra is valued at Rs 794.59 billion (Rs 794,590 mn),..

Infrastructure Urban

03 Jul 2026

Majhi Launches WEP And MSME Clusters To Boost Growth

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform Odisha chapter and inaugurated MSME infrastructure projects during the Udyami Odisha MSME Programme on International MSME Day. The chapter, developed with support from NITI Aayog, will integrate Mission Shakti, the MSME department, Startup Odisha, banks and industry associations into a single-window ecosystem to improve access to finance, markets, mentorship and skills for women entrepreneurs. A one-year action plan was unveiled to accelerate manufacturing and boost women-led enterprises. He said the vision is to ma..