On Monday, private transporters in Kashmir organized a 'chakka-jam' protest against the planned expansion of government-run smart bus services to districts beyond Srinagar. This protest disrupted normal life, with many commuters struggling to find transport. While private operators went on strike, government-run smart buses, e-rickshaws, and autos remained operational. Residents expressed frustration, with one individual, Abdul Rashid, highlighting difficulties in reaching a hospital due to the lack of transport. The smart buses, introduced in 2023 in Srinagar, have become popular for their affordability and comfort, particularly among women commuters who travel for free under the local government's policy. However, private transporters fear that expanding the fleet will severely impact their businesses and threaten the livelihoods of over 100,000 workers in the sector. Abdul Hameed, a representative of the transporters, called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to reconsider the expansion plans, arguing that it is unjust and detrimental to the existing transport system, which already suffers from issues like overloading. The initiative aims to modernize public transport and improve traffic management in Srinagar without harming the environment.