SRINAGAR : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday unveiled a roadmap to modernise the Union Territory’s transport sector, with a focus on digital governance, road safety, electric mobility and improved public transport services.
Chairing a series of review meetings of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages, Transport Minister Satish Sharma directed officials to implement technology-driven reforms aimed at making transport services more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric.
The minister reviewed the operational and financial performance of JKRTC and asked the corporation to prepare a time-bound plan for augmenting its fleet, expanding services to underserved areas and improving the utilisation of existing buses and trucks. He also reviewed the implementation of the government’s free bus travel scheme for women and stressed that welfare initiatives should remain financially sustainable.
Sharma called for the early rollout of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), including GPS-enabled vehicle tracking, electronic ticketing and real-time passenger information systems to improve commuter convenience and operational efficiency. He also reviewed plans for inducting electric buses and expanding EV charging infrastructure across the Union Territory.
Expressing concern over rising road accidents, the minister instructed officials to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws, improve road safety infrastructure and intensify awareness campaigns. He also reviewed measures against habitual traffic offenders and assessed progress on initiatives such as vehicle scrapping facilities, automated testing stations, driver training institutes and accident blackspot identification.
Reviewing the functioning of the State Motor Garages Department, Sharma directed officials to modernise workshop infrastructure, induct fuel-efficient vehicles and expedite recruitment to address shortages of drivers, mechanics and technical staff. He also sought faster disposal of pending policy matters, including revisions to the government vehicle policy.
The minister said coordinated efforts by all transport-related departments would be essential to improve mobility, strengthen road safety and deliver affordable and sustainable transport services across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting began with a two-minute silence in memory of Assistant Regional Transport Officer Jugal Kishore Sharma.
