Srinagar, Jul 29 (KNO): As the scorching heat wave that ebbed a bit on Monday had gripped Kashmir valley, its effects have rippled through the transport sector, leaving transporters grappling with unprecedented financial challenges.
Shabir Ahmad Matt, Senior Vice Chairman of All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said their sector suffered badly due to the heat wave weather conditions and that at many times had to mobilise their vehicles without passengers.
"This heat wave impacted us badly. To follow the vehicle movement timing and roster, we are compelled to ply our buses on routes and many times, our vehicles move without passengers. From diesel to other expenditures, the transporters had to bear the expenses from their own pocket,” he said.
For drivers like Bashir Ahmad, who ply mini buses on Srinagar routes said, "On many occasions, we were moving our vehicles without passengers. Seats remained empty, and it was a loss for us."
Muzaffar Ahmad Wagay, a transporter from Srinagar, echoed similar sentiments. "Our daily sales plummeted drastically due to the intense heat wave. Passengers were scarce, especially during the afternoon hours," he explained.
He said that the financial strain became palpable, and that earnings barely covered operational costs.
Sumo drivers, operating on various routes across the valley said that they too faced the brunt of the heat wave. "Daytime passenger numbers dwindled significantly over the past weeks," said a group of drivers.
Meanwhile, bus operators ferrying commuters between Srinagar and other districts, reported unprecedented declines in passenger flow. “Our vehicles, designed to carry large numbers, struggled to fill seats amidst the stifling heat and humidity," said a bus driver.
He said that the financial stress mounted on them as operational costs remained high while revenue plummeted.
Notably, mercury in Kashmir plumped down on Monday morning after intermittent rain at isolated places was reported, with MeT forecasting intermittent isolated rains till 7 August in the valley—(KNO)