JAMMU: Transport Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of the Transport Department and called for technology-driven reforms to improve public service delivery, strengthen infrastructure and enhance road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a review meeting, Rana directed officials to ensure prompt and hassle-free delivery of driving licences and establish Driving Training Centres (DTCs) in far-flung areas to improve access to driving training.
He also called for intensified road checking and strict action against traffic violations, stressing the need for effective enforcement to improve road safety.
Reviewing online services, the Minister directed officials to streamline digital service delivery and ensure timely dispatch of driving licence cards through simplified procedures. He also called for extensive road safety awareness campaigns targeting all categories of road users and periodic medical examinations of drivers to minimise accident risks.
Rana stressed the need to use advanced monitoring tools for field-level enforcement, regularly verify speed governors and ensure timely renewal of registration of aged vehicles in accordance with prescribed environmental and mechanical fitness standards.
He called for transforming the department into a modern, technology-driven and citizen-centric institution, with a focus on transparent services and sustainable mobility.
During the meeting, officials informed the Minister that more than 27.24 lakh vehicles had been registered across Jammu and Kashmir. The department issued 3.24 lakh learner licences and over 96,000 new driving licences during 2026.
The department has realised revenue of Rs 660.32 crore up to October 2026 in the current financial year, officials said.
The meeting was also informed that 5,071 road accidents, resulting in 904 fatalities, had been reported in 2026 so far. A total of 367 accident-prone locations have been identified across the Union Territory, with Rs 11.65 crore sanctioned for their rectification. District Road Safety Committees have audited 1,433 roads.
Reviewing infrastructure projects, officials informed the meeting that the Institute of Driving Training and Research at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, and the Inspection and Certification Centre at Samba were ready for inauguration.
