Srinagar : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Transport and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Thursday chaired a series of review meetings to assess the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport, Motor Vehicles and State Motor Garages departments. The meetings focused on evaluating the current performance, service delivery and operational challenges across these departments.
The Minister outlined a comprehensive vision for the future of transport in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for technology-driven reforms, modern infrastructure, and sustainable transport development. He highlighted the importance of enhancing service delivery through digital solutions and improving facilities to create a more efficient and citizen-friendly transport system. An extensive review of the operational performance and financial health of various transport agencies was conducted, with a focus on evolving these institutions into modern, technology-enabled organizations that can meet the mobility needs of the population. The Minister called for a strategic roadmap to address the gap between the current fleet and operational requirements, urging officials to enhance fleet availability and expand services in underserved areas. He acknowledged the progress made by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and stressed the importance of route optimization and financial sustainability. The successful implementation of welfare initiatives, such as free bus travel for women, was also reviewed, with a commitment to maintaining operational viability. Digital transformation was a key focus, with directives to expedite the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) to improve operational efficiency and commuter convenience. Plans for introducing electric buses and developing EV charging infrastructure were discussed as part of a broader commitment to environmentally sustainable public transport. The Minister expressed serious concern over road safety, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of traffic regulations and comprehensive awareness campaigns to reduce road fatalities. In addition, the review included discussions on major initiatives such as Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities and Automated Testing Stations, with a call for timely completion of ongoing infrastructure projects. The Minister also highlighted the importance of utilizing Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to enhance enforcement and improve policy decisions. Concerns regarding shortages of skilled personnel in the transport sector were raised, with instructions to expedite recruitment and implement regular skill development programs. The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated efforts among various transport agencies to enhance mobility, road safety, and digital governance, ultimately delivering efficient and sustainable transport services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The session also paid tribute to the late Jugal Kishore Sharma, recognizing his contributions to the department.
