RTO Kashmir warns Govt depts against hiring private vehicles, threatens legal action

Srinagar: Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bhukhari, stated on Saturday that no government department can hire private vehicles and anyone found involved in such practice will be dealt with as per the law.
He emphasized that both the driver and the department will face legal consequences. “We have already issued a circular and warned treasury officers against such practice,” he added.
RTO Kashmir was talking on the sidelines of the culmination of National Road Safety Month-2024 event at Dak Bungalow Baramulla.
He said that during the National Road Safety Month-2024, the department focused on implementation rather than awareness.
“We chose to visit the field instead of remaining in the offices. We visited far-flung areas across Kashmir to implement road safety measures and directed drivers and owners of commercial vehicles not to violate the rules,” he said.
The RTO Kashmir further mentioned that he has instructed all ARTOs to deal with traffic violators firmly. “If any commercial vehicle is violating traffic rules, I have directed all ARTOs to cancel its permit, so as to set an example,” he added.
Earlier, the Motor Vehicles Department in Baramulla marked the successful culmination of National Road Safety Month-2024 with a grand valedictory function held at Dak Banglow Baramulla.
Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa presided over the event as the Chief Guest, while as Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bhukhari as the guest of honor.
The function was attended by various stakeholders including Assistant Regional Transport Officer Baramulla, Muazzam Ali, and members from Transport Association of Sumo Stands, Bus stands from Baramulla, Sopore, Tangmarag, Pattan, Uri besides Students as the culmination function witnessed insightful discussions and commitments towards enhancing road safety measures.
DC urged all transporters, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors, travelers, and road users to strictly adhere to road safety and traffic rules, emphasizing that compliance is paramount in reducing road accidents and saving lives.
While speaking on the occasion, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bhukhari, announced the commencement of Enforcement Month aiming to intensify efforts through targeted enforcement actions and awareness campaigns, fostering a culture of responsible driving and reducing accidents.
In his address, ARTO Baramulla emphasized the importance of following traffic rules and regulations and advocated to adhere to speed limits besides asking them to desist from overloading of passengers.
He further said that precious lives are lost in road accidents and emphasized on the need for collective efforts from the society to minimize the fatalities