J&K embarks on mission safe, clean and technology driven transport


Srinagar, May 25 (KNS): The Transport Department of J&K has come a long way from a passenger and goods carrier regulator to safe, clean, and technology driven facilitator in last couple of years.

The Department took various initiatives including construction of Inspection Certification Centers (ICC) and Institute of Driving and Training Research (IDTR) at Jammu and Kashmir divisions at a cost of Rs 14.40 crore and Rs 17 crore respectively.

The outgoing Principal Secretary of Transport Department Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon who had taken keen interest to complete these vital projects in time said, “IDTR is not just just to familiarize the learner with road rules and traffic signs, the goal of IDTR is to empower through a holistic approach to road conduct and behaviour. It has been completed and ready for operation.”

He added, “ICC which is also ready for operation is important for a hilly place like J&K. Public Safety is the most important priority for the implementation of Inspection & Certification centers. Everyone of us who uses transportation has to be sure that the vehicles we are travelling with are as safe as possible.”

To strengthen public transport system and minimize traffic accidents, Transport Department rolled out a scheme for bringing in new eco-friendly 600 buses on the hilly roads as part of broader roadmap conceptualized by the Dr Samoon to provide safe, clean and technology driven transport in J&K.

Under the initiative, JKRTC also bought new eco and passenger friendly buses for all routes particularly for hills areas particularly in Chenab, Ladakh and Gurez areas where rate of accident had witnessed spike over the years. The Transport Department also earmarked Rs 25 crore for the private bus operators who own 15 to 25 year old vehicles for purchasing new vehicles. They were provided Rs 5 lakh as subsidy for purchasing of new vehicles with a rider that they their old permits and registration will be transferred to their new vehicles, a transport official said.

Saying that it was his initiative to provide transport facilitates to people of J&K at par with other metro cities, Dr Samoon said that Uber, Ola cab type aggregator service would operate in Jammu and Kashmir once the policy is approved.

Samoon said that an amount of Rs. 50 lacs were released to every Deputy Commisisoner as Road Safety Fund for road safety management in their districts including use of use of radon, identification of black sports, installation of cameras and other necessary equipment to avoid occurrence of accidents across the J&K.

Regarding the JKRTC, an official said that Board meetings of SRTC were held regularly and many initiatives were taken to turn the corporation profit driven.

Corporation has purchased 40 electric buses under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme of the central government recently.

Under this scheme both Jammu and Srinagar will get 20 buses including charging points. These buses will have a capacity of 30-32 passengers’ seats including some facilities.
 

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