Bus Fare Hike in J&K Sparks Outrage Among Commuters

Arif Rashid
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30 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr, 29: Residents across various parts of the Kashmir Valley have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to reconsider its decision to impose an 18 percent hike in public transport fares, citing severe financial strain amid ongoing economic challenges.

Locals say the increase has made daily commuting increasingly unaffordable, particularly for economically weaker sections, students, and labourers who rely heavily on public transport for work and education.

Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a resident of Baramulla district, expressed concern over the rising cost of travel. He said that many families in the Union Territory are already grappling with financial hardships and are finding it difficult to cope with the additional burden.

“People are struggling to manage their daily expenses. In such a situation, increasing transport fares will only worsen their condition. Many cannot afford to travel from one place to another,” he said.

Dar also questioned the rationale behind the fare revision, particularly for electric vehicles. “If e-rickshaws have minimal operational costs compared to fuel-based vehicles, why has there been an increase in their fares as well?” he asked.

He further added that the government should take into account the condition of low-income families, including those earning as little as ₹3,000 per month or dependent on old-age pensions. “There are many labourers across Jammu and Kashmir who depend on daily wages. It is difficult for them to bear such expenses on a regular basis,” he said.

Students have also voiced concern over the hike, stating that it will significantly impact their ability to commute to educational institutions.

Ashfaq Ahmad Lone, a student, described the fare hike as an added burden. “Students travel long distances every day to attend schools, colleges, and universities. This increase will make it harder for many to continue their education without financial stress,” he said.

He said that in many rural areas, the absence of regular bus services forces students to rely on shared taxis such as Sumo, Tavera, and Scorpio, which already charge higher fares compared to buses.

“In rural areas, students have no option but to use these services, and they are already paying more than standard bus fares. With this hike, it will become even more difficult for them,” Lone added.

The people have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to review the decision and consider rolling back the hike, particularly in view of the economic conditions and the challenges faced by people living below the poverty line.