SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has reported significant financial and operational improvements for the fiscal year 2023-24. A recent review meeting revealed that the corporation’s total revenue reached Rs 190.57 crore, surpassing the previous year’s earnings.
The Managing Director of JKRTC, Rakesh Sangral, highlighted the corporation’s substantial fleet of 1,055 vehicles, including 517 buses and 538 trucks. Impressively, 758 of these vehicles are relatively new, aged between 0-5 years. The fleet’s modernization has played a crucial role in boosting revenue.
In terms of financial performance, the buses earned Rs 73.16 crore, while the trucks generated Rs 117.40 crore. This combined revenue marks an increase from the previous year, showcasing the corporation’s enhanced efficiency and profitability.
The corporation’s extensive land holdings were also discussed, totalling 308.20 Kanal in the Kashmir division and 217.82 Kanal in the Jammu division. These assets, located in prime areas of Srinagar and Jammu, hold the potential for substantial revenue generation once optimally developed. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the need to engage professional developers to maximize income from these assets.
JKRTC’s operational achievements were underscored during the meeting. The corporation successfully transported 1,26,674 pilgrims and 9,092 Sadhus during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023, earning Rs 644.91 lakhs. Additionally, it was noted that JKRTC currently holds no loan liabilities and has extended several benefits to its retired and in-service employees from its own resources.
The corporation has implemented several strategic initiatives, including insurance coverage for drivers and conductors, and the deployment of Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) and Red Bus Online ticket bookings. Future reforms were also outlined, focusing on increasing trip frequencies, optimising fleet strength for business potential, commercial utilization of assets, and resuming contract services with government organizations.
Technological upgrades like the completion of an E-ticketing module, installation of CCTV cameras and fuel sensors, and the implementation of IRASTAY in the Union Territory are also on the agenda.
The review meeting, led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, involved key officials such as Secretary Transport Niraj Kumar, the Transport Commissioner, and other senior officers. Dulloo emphasised the need for enhanced supervision over the fleet to further increase revenue collection and stressed the importance of resolving internal matters through regular board meetings.
Additionally, Dulloo addressed broader issues within the Transport Department, such as the timely delivery of driving licenses and actions against repeat traffic violators. He directed the department to devise mechanisms for speeding up the delivery process, including bulk messaging, holding camps, and using speed post for distribution.
