In a stride towards sustainable and comfortable transit solutions, the Jammu Smart City Project has unveiled a fleet of fully air-conditioned electric buses dedicated to ferrying Vaishno Devi pilgrims between Jammu railway station and the revered town of Katra.
Comprising eight electric buses, this initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing eco-friendly and comfortable transportation options for devotees visiting the holy shrine. Notably, discussions are underway with the transporters’ union to expand this service further, potentially extending it to Jammu Airport and Jammu bus stand for enhanced accessibility.
The administration has set a fixed fare of ₹135 per passenger for these AC e-buses, ensuring affordability and convenience for pilgrims. Equipped with comfortable seating arrangements, the buses have already garnered positive feedback from travellers, reflecting the success of the initiative in enhancing passenger comfort and satisfaction. Efforts are underway to optimise the scheduling of these e-buses in alignment with the arrival and departure timings of trains at Jammu railway station, ensuring seamless connectivity and hassle-free travel experiences for pilgrims. By operating on an hourly basis from 5 am onwards, these buses offer a convenient and reliable mode of transportation for pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey.
Despite the presence of modern rail infrastructure in Katra, many pilgrims opt to travel via Jammu, necessitating efficient road connectivity solutions. Previously, pilgrims had to rely on private cabs and buses, often subjected to higher fares. However, the introduction of electric AC buses signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainable and accessible transit options, catering to the diverse needs of pilgrims from across the country. Sharing information, project chief executive officer Rahul Yadav said, “We have a total of 100 e-buses — 75 buses are of 9-m length and 25 of 12-m length. Of the 25 buses, we have 24 for the long routes, i.e., Kathua, Katra and Udhampur.” “For now, 15 buses are being plied on these routes that include five e-buses on Jammu-Katra route,” Yadav said, informing that roughly eight e-buses, with a capacity of 35 passengers each, will be plied on the route.
