SRINAGAR: The number of vehicles plying on Jammu and Kashmir roads has almost doubled over the past seven years.
Official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveals that the number of registered vehicles rose from 14.88 lakh in 2017 to 27.29 lakh till December 2024.
Alongside this surge, the Motor Vehicles Department has generated Rs 697.84 crore in revenue during the financial year 2024-25 (ending December 2024), against a target of Rs 1,430 crore.
Additionally, in the previous financial year (2023-24), the department collected Rs 925.32 crore, surpassing the target of Rs 915 crore.
The rise in vehicle numbers is attributed to enhanced road infrastructure, increasing commercial activities, and growing public demand for better transport facilities across the Union Territory.
However, the growth has also raised concerns over traffic congestion and rising pollution levels, especially in urban areas.
Nearly 1.33 lakh new vehicles were registered in 2024-25 (up to December 2024), 71,653 fresh driving licences issued, 54,052 licences renewed, 9,997 fresh fitness certificates issued, 71,427 fitness certificates renewed, 9,548 fresh route permits issued, and 18,408 route permits renewed, the data reveals, as per KNO.
It also revealed that the government is focusing on road safety and transport management to tackle rising traffic issues. To enhance road safety, the government has introduced several measures, including strict monitoring of driver training and vehicle fitness.
The administration has also implemented fare control through the State Transport Authority, launched 200 e-buses (with 200 more approved under PM e-bus Sewa), and introduced a Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system, which has recorded 4.77 crore rides as of March 2024.
To make the mechanism more efficient, the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been put in place for better traffic monitoring and e-challans. Additionally, Inspection and Certification Centres (ICC) are being established across J&K for vehicle fitness, and an Institute of Drivers Training and Research (IDTR) has been set up in Jammu for high-quality driver training.
Looking ahead, the government aims to further improve the transport sector by expanding the Transport Subsidy Scheme, upgrading RTO/ARTO offices, and implementing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for better transport facilities.
Notably, with a massive jump in vehicle registrations and record revenue generation, the administration is now focusing on enhanced road safety, efficient traffic management, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. (KNO)
