He was accompanied by RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan; ARTO Ganderbal, Anis Ahmed and other officers of the Transport Department.

During the visit, the Transport Commissioner chaired a meeting of all stakeholders, including officers of the Transport Department, Traffic Police and transport operators and other concerned agencies. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments and discussed measures required to ensure safe, efficient and hassle-free transportation facilities for the pilgri

The Transport Commissioner stressed that only roadworthy and fit vehicles should be deployed for Yatra duties and directed the concerned officers to ensure timely inspection and fitness certification of all vehicles proposed to be engaged for the pilgrimage. He emphasized that drivers engaged for the Yatra must possess the requisite driving skills, valid credentials and be well acquainted with the Yatra route, traffic regulations, safety protocols and emergency response measures.

Taking serious note of complaints regarding overcharging by transport operators, the Transport Commissioner directed strict adherence to the notified fare structure and warned that any instance of overcharging would invite stringent action under the relevant provisions of law.

The Transport Commissioner also reviewed the availability of vehicles for the Yatra and directed transport operators to ensure adequate deployment of vehicles to cater to the anticipated demand of pilgri He stressed the need for maintaining sufficient reserve capacity to address any surge in passenger traffic during the Yatra period.

As part of the visit, the Transport Commissioner inspected the Motor Vehicles Department Enforcement Post at Sonamarg and reviewed the enforcement and facilitation measures being undertaken by the department. He directed the field officers to maintain effective surveillance and ensure strict compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.

The issue of parking management was also discussed in detail. Directions were issued for earmarking adequate parking slots in consultation with the Traffic Police and other concerned agencies. The Transport Commissioner reviewed the proposed technology-based parking management system and emphasized the effective use of the dedicated mobile application for allocation, monitoring and management of parking slots to ensure orderly movement of vehicles and minimize congestion in the Yatra area.

The Transport Commissioner reiterated that the foremost priority of all agencies associated with Amarnath Yatra  is to ensure a safe, comfortable and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for every pilgrim. He emphasized that all stakeholders must work in close coordination to provide reliable transport facilities, effective traffic management, adequate parking arrangements and prompt assistance to pilgrims throughout the Yatra period. He further directed the concerned officers to adopt a proactive approach in addressing issues on the ground so that pilgrims can undertake the sacred journey with convenience, safety and peace of mind.

Senior officers of the Transport Department and representatives of various stakeholder agencies attended the meeting and accompanied the Transport Commissioner during the visit.

Legislators Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Rajiv Jasrotia, Mehar Ali, Reyaz Ahamad Khan, Arjun Singh Raju, Rafiq Ahmad Naik besides Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises Talat Parvaiz, Secretary JK Legislative Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandit, Accountant General TsewangTharchin, DG Accounts & Treasuries Fayaz Ahmad Lone along with senior officers from Finance Department and Legislative Assembly were present in the meeting.

The Secretary, J&K LA briefed the meeting on the objectives and functioning of the committee, which included ensuring legislative oversight of state-owned corporations/undertakings and promoting efficiency, economy and accountability in their operations. He also informed the members that the committee examines and reviews CAG audit reports related to public undertakings, identifies irregularities or inefficiencies, ensures financial discipline, verifies that the government investments are utilized properly and economically, investigates cases of mismanagement and enforces accountability.

The members discussed various aspects relating to the effective functioning of the Committee and its mandate in ensuring accountability, transparency and efficiency in the functioning of public undertakings.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Mir Saifullah emphasized the importance of the Committee and highlighted its crucial role in strengthening legislative oversight of public sector undertakings. He stated that the Committee serves as an important link between the government and the people, helping to identify and address the public grievances while ensuring that the intended benefits of various public undertakings reach the people effectively.

The Chairman stressed that the meetings of the Committee should be result-oriented and focused on achieving tangible outcomes in the interest of the public. He urged all the members to actively participate in the proceedings and contribute constructively towards the Committee’s work, saying that collective efforts and meaningful discussions are essential for enhancing the Committee’s effectiveness.

He further emphasized that the Committee plays a vital role in examining the performance of public undertakings, safeguarding the public interests and ensuring the judicious utilization of public resources.

The Chairman called upon the members to work with dedication and commitment to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to the Committee.

The members actively participated in the discussions and submitted their valuable suggestions on various matters related to the Committee’s functioning. Their inputs were aimed at strengthening the Committee’s procedures and enhancing its capacity to effectively monitor and evaluate the performance of public undertakings.

Earlier, Accountant General gave a detailed presentation on the role, powers, procedures and responsibilities of the Committee on Public Undertakings.

The drive was carried out on the directions of the Transport Commissioner J&K and under the supervision of ARTO Ramban, to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and enhance road safety.

More than 60 vehicles were checked for adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act and road safety nor A total of 13 vehicles were e-challaned for various offences, attracting an expected penalty of ₹1.36 lakh. Violations included permit-related offences and operation of defective vehicles. Two vehicles were seized for being operated in defective condition and two driving licences were recommended for suspension for serious violations including operating vehicles without valid permits. Pressure horns were removed from three vehicles on the Karol–Kumate Road for violating noise and safety nor

ARTO Ramban Varun Bhasin advised vehicle owners, drivers and commuters to follow traffic regulations, maintain their vehicles in roadworthy condition and carry all valid documents while driving. The MVD in coordination with District Police, will continue regular enforcement drives across the district, the ARTO added.

The programme drew participation from over 90 MSMEs, artisans, farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), self-help groups and aspiring entrepreneurs from the district.

The workshop commenced with introductory remarks by JKTPO Faculty Vishal Ray, who underscored the need for integrating local enterprises with national and international markets and building export readiness among aspiring entrepreneurs of the region.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Doda Anil Kumar Thakur graced the occasion as Chief Guest and highlighted the district’s potential in agriculture, horticulture, food processing, handloom, handicrafts and other value-added products. He urged entrepreneurs, farmers and artisans to capitalise on institutional support and explore export-oriented opportunities.

During the Export Awareness Session, Gaurav Gupta of FIEO provided insights into export procedures, market opportunities and government support mechanisms for exporters. Ullas Kumar of ECGC apprised participants about export credit insurance and risk management tools for businesses entering overseas markets.

As part of the E-Commerce Onboarding Drive, Reena Shivhare from ONDC and Anant Thukraal from GeM sensitised participants about digital commerce opportunities, onboarding procedures and government procurement avenues on their respective platfor

A dedicated session on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement was conducted by FIEO, focussing on emerging trade opportunities, market access prospects and preparedness required for businesses to benefit from future trade arrangements with the European Union.

Among those present were Chief Agriculture Officer Doda Kushal Chandel, General Manager District Industries Centre (DIC) Doda Mohd Ashfaq and officers from various line departments.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of Director JKEDI Mohammad Younis Malik and Joint Director JKEDI Chand Kishore Sharma under the aegis of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Research (CEER), JKEDI. It was conceptualised in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises skill development, innovation and experiential learning.

The 10-day, 60-hour programme provided undergraduate students with practical insights into entrepreneurship, startup promotion, business planning and institutional support systems available for aspiring entrepreneurs. A total of 229 students from various colleges across Jammu Division completed the programme through eight batches — 169 students in six batches at JKEDI Regional Office Bari Brahmana, 40 students in one batch at District Centre Jammu and 20 students in one batch at District Centre Udhampur.

Participants were exposed to the startup ecosystem, innovation, self-employment opportunities and government support mechanisms through interactive sessions, practical assignments, expert interactions and mentoring. JKEDI faculty and resource persons guided participants in developing entrepreneurial competencies, leadership qualities and problem-solving abilities.

The participating students represented GCW Gandhi Nagar, SPMR College of Commerce Jammu, MAM College Jammu, GCW Parade, GDC Akhnoor and Bhaskar Degree College Udhampur.

Deliberations were held on district-wise targets, priorities and implementation modalities under various schemes in the AAP 2026–27 along with a review of physical and financial progress achieved. The Director reviewed the tendering process for CAPEX, HADP and NABARD-funded projects and took stock of infrastructure projects established under HADP, JKCIP, CSS and CAPEX across the Division.

Anil Gupta directed officers concerned to ensure efficient utilisation of funds, strict adherence to project timelines and close monitoring of ongoing projects to expedite pending activities and achieve targets for the current financial year. He further underscored the importance of regular field monitoring, effective coordination among stakeholders and prompt resolution of bottlenecks to enhance the impact of agricultural development programmes.

Among those present were Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Sanjay Anand, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Aman Jyoti Sharma, Deputy Director Agriculture (Central) Sanjeev Rai Gupta, SMS (RL) Krishan Kant, SMS (RL) Dharmesh Vaid, Mushroom Development Officer Raghubir Paul Kochar, Assistant Entomologist Harvinder Singh, Spawn Production Officer AshuKakoria, Divisional Seed Certification Officer Jammu Nirmal Prakash Sharma and SDAO Marh Khalid Hassan. All Chief Agriculture Officers of Jammu Division participated through virtual mode.

Jammu :Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Ajay Tamta wrapped up a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday after an extensive inspection of key National Highway projects followed by a high-level review meeting held at the Convention Centre, Jammu yesterday.

During the visit, the MoS travelled the entire Srinagar–Jammu section of NH-44, inspecting the Qazigund–Banihal and Chenani–Nashri tunnels, the landslide-prone Ramban–Banihal stretch and the ongoing Srinagar and Jammu Ring Road projects being executed by NHAI. He also assessed the Chenani–Sudhmahadev stretch and the proposed Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnel alignment under NHIDCL.

Senior officers of NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, PWD and MoRTH accompanied him during the field inspections.

The review meeting was attended by Members Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sat Pal Sharma, MLAs Chandra Prakash Ganga, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa, Arvind Gupta and Surendra Bhagat besides senior officials from all highway agencies.

The officials briefed the Minister on the progress of ongoing and upcoming works funded by MoRTH, covering projects being executed by NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO and PWD across the Union Territory.

Highlighting the shift since 2014, Shri Ajay Tamta said that Jammu and Kashmir has undergone an “unprecedented transformation” in road and transport infrastructure. Before 2014, highway development in the region was limited, with difficult terrain, frequent landslides and poor all-weather connectivity. Since then, works worth nearly ₹1.35 lakh crore have been taken up. Of this, 700 km worth ₹20,000 crore have been completed, 2,300 km worth ₹50,000 crore are under construction and DPRs for another 707 km worth ₹65,000 crore are being prepared.

He said that tunnel construction has been a major focus and only five tunnels existed in J&K before 2014. Today, the Jammu–Srinagar corridor alone has 25 tunnels with 20 completed and five under construction, he added. Strategic projects such as the Zojila Tunnel, Digdol–Khooni Nallah, Sungal, Bhimber Gali, Sinthan Pass, Sudhmahadev, Sadhna Pass, Peer Ki Gali and the parallel Chenani–Nashri alignment are expected to ensure reliable, year-round connectivity.

The meeting was informed that ₹16,000-crore Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar four-lane corridor has achieved 95 percent progress. Once complete, it will cut the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar from nine hours to about four hours and reduce the distance by nearly 70 km. Tunnels, viaducts, bypasses and landslide protection measures are turning the NH-44 into a safer all-weather route. To further strengthen resilience, works worth ₹230 crore are being taken up at 15 vulnerable locations between Udhampur and Banihal, while bypasses worth ₹600 crore have already been completed at Banihal, Ramban, Ashajipora, Seri and Makarkote.

Four high-speed corridors worth ₹50,000 crore including Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar, Jammu–Chenani–Anantnag, Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri and Jammu–Akhnoor are under construction. These will improve the access to the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley, Rajouri–Poonch, North Kashmir and key border areas, aiding the tourism, trade and defence mobility. The 670-km Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway, costing ₹41,000 crore, will also strengthen the pilgrimage connectivity. Within J&K, 143 km of the expressway worth ₹11,500 crore is slated for completion by August 2027, reducing Delhi–Katra distance by 58 km.

The meeting was further told that the urban mobility is being addressed through ring roads. The 104-km Srinagar Ring Road, costing ₹7,200 crore, will divert through traffic from the city and improve links to Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kargil and Leh. The 58-km Jammu Ring Road is nearing completion with 53 km already operational while DPR work is underway for the 33-km Eastern Jammu Ring Road.

The next phase includes DPRs for 707 km of highways worth ₹65,000 crore. Key upcoming projects are the 125-km Katra–Srinagar High-Speed Corridor, the Rafiabad–Kupwara–Tangdhar route with Sadhna Tunnel, the Surankote–Bufliaz–Doodhpathri–Magam corridor with Peer Ki Gali Tunnel, Samba–Mansar–Udhampur four-laning, Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri corridor and new service roads and underpasses on the Srinagar–Qazigund stretch.

It was informed in the meeting that Pilgrimage and tourism infrastructure has also received attention. DPRs are being prepared for 60 km of Amarnath Yatra road works worth ₹3,500 crore. The ₹880-crore Katra Intermodal Station will integrate rail, road and heli-services for devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Additionally, 54 ropeway proposals worth ₹30,000 crore have been received, with eight projects worth ₹16,000 crore to be taken up in the first phase at sites including Shri Amarnath Ji Cave, Shankaracharya Temple, Thajiwas Glacier, Bhadarwah, Sanasar and Doodhpathri.

The MoS appreciated the work of all agencies and directed the officials to complete the projects within stipulated timelines while maintaining quality, safety and public convenience. He said the infrastructure push of the last 12 years has moved Jammu and Kashmir “from difficult and disrupted connectivity to modern, all-weather, high-speed and integrated transport.” The projects, he added, will boost tourism, pilgrimage, industry, defence logistics and overall socio-economic growth in the Union Territory.

The proposal received resounding support from shareholders, including public and institutional investors, reflecting confidence in its strategic rationale and long-term value creation potential.  The transaction, being a cashless share-swap, presents an opportunity to the Company to acquire a large block and increase its economic interest in a high-growth asset without any incremental leverage or cash outflow. It also simplifies the Group’s shareholding structure, and enhances transparency, setting a benchmark in corporate governance and capital efficiency.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, “Airtel Africa is central to our growth strategy and is well positioned to deliver robust performance with an increasing contribution to our consolidated revenues. The company has always operated at the highest standards of corporate governance and financial discipline, and this overwhelming support reinforces the confidence that the investors have in the organization. Structured as a share swap, India’s largest ever transaction preserves capital strength for Airtel’s core operations and future growth ambitions. As we look ahead, we see significant potential in Africa for long-term shareholder value creation.”

The transaction, upon consummation and subject to receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, will increase Bharti Airtel’s effective stake in Airtel Africa to approximately 79%.

This represents a continuation of the Company’s calibrated approach to progressively strengthen its ownership in Airtel Africa, a known strategic growth platform in the group.

Shopian  :To review and discuss the development of telecom infrastructure under Jammu & Kashmir Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Project (JKCCIP), a meeting of District Level Telecom Committee (DLTC) was Tuesday held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta here at DC Office Shopian.

During the meeting, the Committee deliberated on key issues related to strengthening of telecom infrastructure and enhancement of network connectivity across Shopian district.

Detailed discussions were held regarding the commissioning of mobile towers, 4G saturation, status of Right of Way (RoW), progress under the BharatNet Project, 5G mapping and other related matters.

The DC also emphasized improving telecom connectivity at key tourist destinations by expediting the installation of mobile towers to ensure better network coverage, enhance tourist safety and support tourism related activities in these areas.

The DC also urged the saturation of 4G network coverage and the BharatNet projects across the district, noting that these initiatives are vital for enhancing digital connectivity and benefiting residents across all communities.

Highlighting the significance of robust telecom networks, DC stated that improved connectivity is vital for effective governance, delivery of essential services, education and economic activities.

During the meeting, the DC also took detailed feedback from telecom companies operating in the district and urged them to enhance the quality of telecom services, particularly in remote areas.

The meeting was attended by ADC, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz; ACD, Muzaffar Ahmad; ACR, Shakoor Ahmad; Dy.SP DAR, CEO MC, Executive Engineers, besides officers from Forest, Wildlife etc and representatives of various telecom companies operating in district.

The meeting was attended by SE R&B, ARTO, DySP HQ, DySP Traffic, Exen R&B, Inspectors MVD and Traffic, CEO MCA and other officials.

At the outset, the ARTO presented an overview of the existing traffic management system and briefed the chair about different measures that have been adopted for streamlining traffic and vehicular movement in the district. He informed that enforcement actions including penalties are being taken against the traffic violators and officials have been deployed to manage traffic both in urban and rural areas.

Addressing the meeting, the DC emphasized the need to identify and develop designated parking areas and to map routes for e-rickshaws to prevent congestion, directing MVD, Traffic Police and MCA to conduct a thorough survey for the purpose. He instructed that consultations be held with e-rickshaw operators and companies to address safety and operational concerns. He further asked the ARTO and Traffic Police to take immediate steps to prevent avoidable traffic jams at Bijbehara and other places, which are causing inconvenience to the public.

On the occasion, directives were issued to the ARTO to introduce special service days for slot allocation to applicants, identify land for fitness and trial grounds and conduct regular awareness programmes on road safety in educational institutions, taxi stands and other important places.

After thorough deliberations, the RTA approved 29 LA applications and condonation of delay in respect of 13 expired permits against appropriate fines.