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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to assess its overall functioning, modernization initiatives, and measures aimed at enhancing road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa; Transport Commissioner; Managing Director, J&K RTC; Director, Motor Garages; RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers of the department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on the early completion and operationalization of key infrastructure projects, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), Jammu, and the Inspection & Certification Centre (ICC), Samba, terming them as critical to modernizing transport services in the Union Territory.
He directed all implementing agencies to ensure mission-mode execution and time-bound completion of projects so as to improve public service delivery and efficiency.
Underscoring road safety as one of the department’s top priorities, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive action plan to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents. He reviewed enforcement measures such as the cancellation of driving licences and Registration Certificates (RCs) and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders.
He also took stock of the incidence of road accidents, fatalities, and the relief extended to victims under the Road Safety Fund, besides reviewing the pace of dispatch of driving licences to applicants, including clearance of pending backlogs.
Presenting a detailed overview of the department’s initiatives, Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa, gave a comprehensive briefing on key projects and strategic reforms aimed at transforming J&K’s transport infrastructure and governance.
It was informed that two major facilities like IDTR, Jammu and ICC, Samba are nearing completion. The IDTR has completed its academic, hostel, and workshop blocks along with all six state-of-the-art driving tracks. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has installed all automation equipment, and driving licence trials commenced on January 14, 2025, with overall completion expected by October 30, 2025.
At ICC, Samba, civil and electrical works have been completed, while the inspection report from ICAD is expected by October 15, 2025. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is in the process of tendering for the appointment of an operator for a two-year term, the meeting was informed.
It was further apprised that the work on two Automated Testing Stations (ATS) through J&K RTC is expected to commence by October 15, while a privately developed ATS is awaiting official notification.
As part of the department’s technology-driven reforms, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has identified 92 locations across highways for the installation of electronic enforcement devices. The DPR will be forwarded to the IT Department for vetting by October 15, with tenders expected to be floated by November 10.
On the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, it was revealed that the draft Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility Policy is in its final stage of formulation. Once notified, it will operationalize a ₹10 crore incentive fund on a First-Come, First-Served basis, facilitating the scrapping of around 3,500 government vehicles, potentially generating ₹170 crore in incentives within the government transport sector alone.
Reviewing the efforts to revive Inland Waterways (NW-49) on the River Jhelum, the Chief Secretary directed the department to adhere to firm timelines. Work on seven floating concrete jetties is scheduled to commence by October 15, 2025, while the installation of navigational aids and onshore development are to begin by October 31, with overall completion targeted for December 2025.
It was further given out that the department is going to float a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to operate a 20-passenger hybrid electric cruise/boat on a revenue-sharing basis with the government, as part of its broader initiative to promote sustainable mobility and tourism.
The meeting also reviewed progress on SRTC digitization and revenue enhancement, where the Corporation is projecting a sharp rise in gross revenue from ₹114 crore (2021–2024) to an estimated ₹240 crore for FY 2024–25, following fleet expansion and service upgrades.
A major digitization initiative encompassing online ticketing, route and schedule management, and real-time fuel monitoring is underway, with the tender for the same set to be finalized by October 12, 2025.
As part of its citizen-centric services, the department has dispatched 1,07,627 driving licences out of 1,28,715 new applications, and 1,21,672 licences from 1,51,103 backlog applications till date.
Concluding the review, the Chief Secretary reiterated that all these projects are central to the government’s vision of developing a modern, safe, efficient, and technology-driven transport ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at providing better mobility, public convenience, and road safety for all.
