J&K transport sector set for digital overhaul, says Satish Sharma

Minister reviews JKRTC, Transport and Motor Vehicles departments; stresses digital governance, road safety and sustainable mobility

Srinagar, July 30: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Transport and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Thursday directed officials to accelerate technology-driven reforms across Jammu & Kashmir’s transport sector, with a focus on digital governance, road safety, sustainable mobility and citizen-centric service delivery.

Chairing a series of review meetings, the Minister assessed the functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages Department. The meetings reviewed operational performance, financial position, infrastructure, manpower, service delivery and future expansion plans.

Laying out a roadmap for the sector, Sharma stressed the need for modern infrastructure, digital solutions and environmentally sustainable transport systems. He said every institution under the Transport Department should evolve into a modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric organisation capable of meeting the growing mobility needs of the people.

“Our vision is to build a transport ecosystem that is efficient, transparent, digitally empowered and environmentally sustainable,” the Minister said, adding that reforms should ultimately improve public services and make transportation safer, more accessible and commuter-friendly.

Reviewing JKRTC’s performance, Sharma examined operational efficiency, route coverage, fleet availability, manpower, financial performance and passenger services. He directed officials to prepare a time-bound roadmap for augmenting the fleet, expanding services to underserved areas and ensuring optimum utilisation of buses and trucks.

The Minister appreciated the corporation’s improving operational performance and called for sustained efforts in route optimisation, prudent resource management and financial sustainability. He also reviewed the implementation of the free bus travel scheme for women and said welfare initiatives should continue while maintaining the corporation’s operational viability.

Sharma directed officials to expedite the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), including GPS-enabled fleet tracking, electronic ticketing, real-time passenger information systems and advanced monitoring mechanisms to improve transparency and commuter convenience.

He also reviewed plans for the induction of electric buses, development of EV charging infrastructure and asset monetisation initiatives, saying these would strengthen environmentally sustainable public transport in the Union Territory.

Reviewing the Transport and Motor Vehicles departments, the Minister assessed enforcement mechanisms, revenue generation, vehicle registration, issuance of driving licences and permits, road safety initiatives and key transport infrastructure projects.

Expressing concern over rising road accidents, Sharma said protecting human lives must remain the foremost priority and directed strict enforcement of traffic rules, scientific road safety interventions, awareness campaigns and closer inter-departmental coordination to reduce fatalities.

He also reviewed enforcement measures against habitual traffic offenders, including suspension of driving licences, cancellation of vehicle registrations and intensified enforcement drives, while appreciating the department’s emphasis on ensuring compliance with road safety regulations.

The Minister reviewed the progress of major initiatives, including Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), the Institute of Driver Training and Research, the Inspection and Certification Centre at Samba, implementation of the e-DAR platform, PM-Rahat assistance for road accident victims and measures to identify and rectify accident-prone blackspots.

Sharma directed officials to expedite all ongoing transport infrastructure projects while maintaining quality and transparency. He also reviewed proposed bike taxi and rent-a-bike policies, saying these should create employment opportunities while ensuring passenger safety, regulatory compliance and affordable mobility.

Calling for wider adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, the Minister said intelligent transport systems could improve enforcement, identify accident hotspots, monitor habitual offenders and support evidence-based policymaking.

Reviewing the State Motor Garages Department, Sharma examined fleet management, vehicle maintenance, workshop infrastructure, procurement, auction of condemned vehicles, manpower and revenue generation. He directed officials to prepare a roadmap for the gradual induction of fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles and modernisation of workshop infrastructure.

The Minister also expressed concern over shortages of drivers, mechanics and technical personnel and instructed the authorities to expedite recruitment and strengthen skill development programmes for technical staff.

He further directed officials to process pending proposals relating to the revision of the government car policy within a defined timeline, saying coordinated efforts by JKRTC, the Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages Department would play a transformative role in improving mobility, enhancing road safety and delivering efficient, affordable and sustainable transport services across Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting began with a two-minute silence in memory of Assistant Regional Transport Officer Jugal Kishore Sharma, in recognition of his services to the department.