SRINAGAR: Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan on Tuesday directed Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) across Jammu and Kashmir to intensify enforcement against traffic violations and ensure time-bound disposal of pending cases on the VAHAN and SARATHI portals.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held through hybrid mode to assess the functioning of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), with discussions covering enforcement, road safety, trade certificates, regulation of second-hand vehicle dealers and other administrative matters.
Emphasising the need to reduce road accidents and prevent loss of life, Mahajan directed field officers to take strict action against overloading, overspeeding, wrong-side driving and other unsafe practices, particularly on national highways and accident-prone stretches.
He called for enhanced field inspections, regular monitoring and coordinated efforts to improve compliance with road safety regulations and promote responsible driving.
Reviewing the pendency on VAHAN and SARATHI, the commissioner asked all RTOs and ARTOs to examine pending cases and ensure their disposal within stipulated timelines to prevent delays in citizen services.
The meeting also reviewed the status of trade certificates and the regulation of second-hand vehicle dealers. Officers were directed to expedite mandatory verifications, including Criminal Investigation Department (CID) verification wherever applicable, and ensure compliance with relevant rules.
Compliance with norms governing the installation and use of fare meters in e-rickshaws and e-carts was also discussed, with officers asked to take follow-up action as required.
In view of Vigilance Awareness Week, Mahajan stressed the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in official functioning and directed officers to adhere strictly to established procedures.
He asked all RTOs and ARTOs to implement the decisions taken during the meeting, monitor progress regularly and submit updated status reports wherever required. He said efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance and effective enforcement should remain key priorities, with road safety central to the department’s functioning.