SRINAGAR: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Thursday chaired a comprehensive meeting with representatives of transport associations and unions from Kashmir division to discuss key issues concerning the transport sector and explore measures for ensuring a balanced, sustainable and efficient public transport system across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary Transport, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Transport Commissioner, Director Finance of the Transport Department, Additional Secretary Transport, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Joint Director Planning & Statistics of the Transport Department, besides representatives of various transport associations and unions from the Kashmir division.
During the meeting, representatives of transport bodies raised several demands, grievances and operational concerns faced by the private transport sector. Detailed discussions were held on issues related to public transport operations, Smart City bus services, J&K RTC operations, traffic management, transport regulations and livelihood concerns of private transport operators.
The representatives voiced concern over the proposed procurement of buses for free public transport services in Jammu and Kashmir. They maintained that any large-scale expansion of government-operated free transport facilities should be implemented in a balanced manner to ensure that the livelihood and functioning of private transport operators are not adversely affected. They also highlighted the impact of the free travel facility for women in Smart City buses on the financial sustainability of private transport services operating across the region.
Another major issue raised during the meeting was the operation of transport vehicles registered outside Jammu and Kashmir. The representatives demanded strict enforcement of regulations to prevent unauthorized operation of outside-registered vehicles within the region in accordance with existing laws, in order to safeguard the interests of local transport operators.
The transporters also demanded that Smart City buses should operate strictly within the notified municipal limits of Srinagar and should not extend beyond designated areas in a manner that affects private transport services.
Taking note of the concerns, the Minister directed that a committee headed by the Chief Executive Officer of Srinagar Smart City Corporation Limited examine the issue related to the extension of routes beyond Srinagar’s municipal limits and submit appropriate recommendations.
To streamline transport operations and avoid route conflicts, the representatives also called for the framing and implementation of a coordinated timetable mechanism involving Smart City buses, J&K RTC buses and private transport vehicles operating in the twin cities.
The meeting also witnessed detailed deliberations on the growing number of e-rickshaws operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The representatives urged the government to formulate a comprehensive policy for regulated and limited registration of e-rickshaws to ensure organized growth of the sector. They suggested adopting the principle of “one person, one registration” and demanded that multiple registrations in the name of a single individual should not be permitted.
The issue regarding enhancement of Green Tax by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also came up for discussion, with the matter set to be examined further by the concerned authorities.
Addressing the concerns raised by the transporters, the Minister assured participants that the government remains committed to addressing the genuine concerns of all stakeholders through a transparent, practical and consultative approach.
He said the government fully recognizes the contribution of the transport sector towards public mobility, employment generation and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that while the administration is focused on strengthening affordable and efficient public transportation for the public, equal importance would be given to protecting the interests and livelihoods of local transport operators.
Satish Sharma further said that all grievances and demands raised during the meeting would be examined sympathetically by the concerned departments and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with rules, feasibility and public interest.
The Minister also stressed the need for better coordination among various transport agencies and directed the concerned officers to work closely with stakeholders to resolve operational issues related to Smart City buses and other transport services in a time-bound manner.
