Traditional horse-drawn tongas are seeing a resurgence in popularity within the RS Pura border villages of Jammu and Kashmir [1].

This shift represents a grassroots response to national energy goals. By returning to animal-powered transport, residents are reducing their reliance on fossil fuels in a region where border logistics and fuel costs often impact daily mobility.

The revival is driven by an appeal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fuel conservation [1]. Local operators and residents in the RS Pura sector have begun adopting the low-fuel transport option as a practical way to align with the government's push to save energy [2].

These tongas, which were once the primary mode of transport before the proliferation of motorized vehicles, now serve as a nostalgic yet functional alternative [2]. The transition is particularly evident in the villages near the Pakistan border, where the traditional carriages are becoming a common sight once again [3].

Local operators said the return to tongas provides a sustainable way to move people and goods without the expense of petrol or diesel. The movement reflects a blending of traditional heritage and modern environmental concerns, a trend growing in the border belt [1].

While the shift is largely voluntary, it highlights how high-level government appeals can trigger specific behavioral changes in rural sectors. The use of horse-drawn carriages minimizes the carbon footprint of local commutes and reduces the economic burden of fuel price volatility on small-scale operators [3].

“Traditional horse-drawn tongas are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the RS Pura border villages”

The return to horse-drawn transport in Jammu and Kashmir illustrates a rare instance where a national conservation directive leads to the revival of pre-industrial technology. While not a scalable solution for urban centers, this trend suggests that rural communities may look toward traditional, low-carbon alternatives to mitigate the economic impact of fuel costs and support national energy security goals.