Srinagar, July 30: Srinagar, July 30: Minister for Transport Satish Sharma on Thursday reviewed the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages, stressing on technology-driven reforms, modern infrastructure and improved public services.
Chairing a series of review meetings, the Minister assessed the operational performance, financial position, manpower, infrastructure, digital initiatives, road safety measures, fleet management and future expansion plans of departments under the transport sector.
Satish Sharma said that an efficient and reliable transport system was essential for economic growth and public welfare, and directed officials to develop a modern, transparent and citizen-centric transport ecosystem.
“Our vision is to build a transport ecosystem that is efficient, transparent, digitally empowered and environmentally sustainable. Every reform must ultimately improve public service delivery and make transportation safer, more accessible and commuter-friendly,” he said.
During the JKRTC review, the Minister assessed route coverage, fleet availability, passenger services and financial performance. He directed officials to prepare a time-bound roadmap for fleet augmentation, expansion of services in underserved areas and better utilisation of available resources.
He also reviewed the implementation of the free bus travel initiative for women and stressed that welfare schemes should continue while ensuring the financial sustainability of the Corporation.
The Minister called for expediting the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), including GPS-enabled fleet tracking, electronic ticketing and real-time passenger information systems to improve transparency and commuter convenience.
He also reviewed plans for induction of electric buses, development of EV charging infrastructure and asset monetisation initiatives.
Reviewing the Transport and Motor Vehicles departments, Satish Sharma expressed concern over rising road accidents and directed officials to strengthen enforcement, improve road safety measures and launch wider awareness campaigns.
He called for strict action against habitual traffic offenders through suspension of licences, cancellation of registrations and intensified enforcement drives, while emphasising that the focus should remain on saving lives rather than only imposing penalties.
The Minister reviewed the progress of key projects including Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), Institute of Driver Training and Research, Inspection and Certification Centre at Samba, e-DAR platform, PM-Rahat for road accident victims and identification of accident-prone blackspots.
He directed officials to expedite infrastructure projects and ensure quality and transparency in execution.
The Minister also discussed proposals related to bike taxi and rent-a-bike policies, saying such initiatives should create employment opportunities while ensuring passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
Calling for greater use of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, Satish Sharma said technology should be used for better enforcement, identifying accident hotspots and improving evidence-based policy decisions.
During the review of State Motor Garages, the Minister assessed fleet management, vehicle maintenance, workshop infrastructure, procurement, manpower and revenue generation.
He directed the department to upgrade workshop facilities, reduce vehicle downtime and gradually introduce fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles.
Expressing concern over shortages of drivers, mechanics and technical staff, the Minister called for expediting recruitment and strengthening skill development programmes for personnel.
The meeting also reviewed proposals related to revision of the government car policy, with directions to process pending matters within a defined timeline.
Earlier, the meeting observed a two-minute silence in memory of Late Jugal Kishore Sharma, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), in recognition of his services to the department.
