Losing a Safe Space: Kashmiri Women Demand Revival of Special Bus Service

Srinagar, Dec 4:For women in Kashmir, daily travel has become increasingly challenging, with concerns about safety and comfort escalating. This situation worsened after the women-only bus service, launched in 2016 by then-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, was discontinued without explanation. Women across Kashmir are now demanding the return of this essential service.
The service began on April 19, 2016, with a fleet of five buses, each making two round trips daily. These buses were introduced to provide a secure commuting option for women in a society where harassment on public transport is a common concern. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, particularly from students and working women.

“I used to travel on these buses during my school years, and they made me feel comfortable,” said a commuter. “Now, with their absence, we have no choice but to use regular public transport. These vehicles are overcrowded and demand constant vigilance. The feeling of safety those buses provided is gone.”
Traveling on regular buses has become increasingly problematic for women. Overcrowding forces passengers to stand in tight, uncomfortable spaces, leaving women vulnerable to harassment. “Public transport doesn’t feel safe,” said another commuter. “Some male passengers behave inappropriately, which makes the experience distressing. Harassment is a daily occurrence, and no woman feels secure on these buses.”
The discontinuation of women-only buses has left women with few alternatives. Shared sumo taxis are a marginally safer option, but they are not entirely risk-free. “Sumos feel slightly safer, but not always,” said one woman. “Buses, however, are neither comfortable nor secure.”
The issue has worsened as some of the buses initially reserved for women have been converted into general service vehicles. “I recently saw one of these buses, and the ‘ladies-only’ sign had been removed. It now operates like any other bus,” said another commuter. “This should not happen. These buses should continue as women-only services.”
The lack of women-only buses has made travel both unsafe and uncomfortable. These buses were more than just a means of transportation; they allowed women to commute with dignity and ease. Their discontinuation is viewed as a setback in addressing the challenges women face in public transport.
Authorities have yet to provide a reason for ending the service or indicate whether it will resume. Women who depended on these buses expressed disappointment. “I urge the authorities to bring these buses back,” said a commuter. “This is not just about comfort; it is about our safety and respect.”
The absence of these buses raises broader concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing women’s issues. While policies often emphasize women’s empowerment, the ground reality paints a different picture. The lack of safe public transport highlights systemic shortcomings, forcing women to endure unsafe and distressing travel conditions.
The demand to reinstate these buses is growing. Women across Kashmir are urging authorities to recognize the importance of these services for their safety. The women-only buses were not merely a logistical solution but also a symbol of respect for women’s needs, fostering a sense of safety and dignity.
Until these buses are reinstated, daily commutes will remain a source of stress and difficulty for women in Kashmir. Their message to the authorities is clear: bring back the special buses and restore safety and respect for women on the roads.