LEH: The administration of Ladakh has introduced a traditional Ladakhi uniform for commercial drivers in an effort to promote the region’s cultural identity and improve the experience of tourists.
The initiative was launched following the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who also flagged off a vehicle branding campaign featuring a common logo for all registered tourist vehicles.
Officials said the move aims to provide tourists with a safer and more culturally immersive experience by recognising drivers as the first point of contact for visitors and positioning them as ambassadors of Ladakh.
Under the initiative, tourist vehicles will carry a standardised logo-based sticker to create a distinct identity and enable easy identification of authorised vehicles.
The administration said the measure would enhance safety, transparency and reliability in the tourism transport sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Saxena said the initiative would help showcase Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage while improving the overall tourism experience.
He said commercial drivers are often the first ambassadors of Ladakh for visitors and that the move would contribute to making the Union Territory a more responsible and attractive tourism destination.
The initiative follows a meeting held on March 17 between the Lieutenant Governor and tourism stakeholders, including representatives of All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association and All Kargil Travel Trade Association.
Following the meeting, the Regional Transport Officer of Ladakh issued a circular on March 23 making it mandatory for all commercial drivers in Leh and Kargil to wear traditional Ladakhi attire.
Officials said the directive applies to all categories of commercial transport vehicles and will be implemented in phases in consultation with stakeholders.
The administration said the initiative is expected to bring greater discipline and professionalism to the tourism transport sector while instilling a sense of pride among local drivers.
