Cabinet approves revision in passenger fare

Srinagar/June,7: In order to provide immediate relief to transporters/vehicle owners of the State who are plying Commercial Passenger Vehicles, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday accorded sanction to the revision of Passenger Fare 2017 with an increase of 13.75% for Big Buses and Mini Buses, 8.25% increase to Taxi Maxi Cab Segment and 2.85% increase to Auto Rickshaw category (Petrol Driven) on the present prevailing rates notified vide SRO-24 dated 03.02.2014.
The Cabinet further directed that the Transport Department shall take effective steps to ensure proper regulation of movement of trucks and adherence to the rates fixed for carriage of goods across the State.
On 25th January, 2017, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti convened a high level meeting of Transporters of J&K to discuss various issues pertaining to the transport sector. The transporters highlighted various demands including that the passenger fare had not been revised since 2014 despite increase in the fuel prices and other input costs. Chief Minister directed the transport department to submit a proposal for revision of the passenger fare.
Accordingly, a High Level Empowered Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Commissioner/Secretary, Finance which submitted its recommendations on 12th May, 2017.
In view of the recommendations of the High Level Empowered Committee, the revision in the passenger fare was approved.