Satish Sharma reviews transport sector, pushes tech-driven, citizen-centric reforms in J&K
Blazing Tales News Service
SRINAGAR, JULY 30:
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Transport and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Thursday chaired a series of review meetings to assess the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages.
The meetings focused on evaluating the current performance, service delivery and operational challenges across the departments while charting a roadmap for modernising the transport sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising technology-driven reforms, modern infrastructure and sustainable transport development, the Minister called for improved public service delivery through digital solutions and better facilities. He directed officials to work towards creating a more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric transport system across the Union Territory.
During the review, Satish Sharma assessed the operational performance, financial position, manpower, infrastructure, digital initiatives, enforcement mechanisms, road safety measures, fleet management and future expansion plans of the departments and agencies under the Transport sector.
He said an efficient, safe and reliable transport system is vital for economic growth and public welfare, adding that every institution under the Transport Department must evolve into a modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric organisation capable of meeting the growing mobility needs of the people.
“Our vision is to build a transport ecosystem that is efficient, transparent, digitally empowered and environmentally sustainable. Every reform must ultimately improve public service delivery and make transportation safer, more accessible and commuter-friendly,” the Minister said.
Reviewing the functioning of JKRTC, the Minister examined its operational efficiency, route coverage, fleet availability, manpower, financial performance and passenger services. He directed officials to prepare a time-bound roadmap for fleet augmentation, expansion of services in underserved areas and optimum utilisation of the existing fleet.
The Minister appreciated the Corporation’s improving operational performance and called for sustained efforts towards route optimisation, prudent resource management and enhanced financial sustainability.
He also reviewed the implementation of the free bus travel scheme for women and stressed that welfare initiatives should continue while ensuring the Corporation’s operational viability.
Highlighting the importance of digital transformation, Satish Sharma directed officials to expedite the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), including GPS-enabled fleet tracking, electronic ticketing, real-time passenger information systems and advanced monitoring mechanisms to enhance transparency, operational efficiency and commuter convenience.
The Minister further reviewed plans for the induction of electric buses, development of EV charging infrastructure and asset monetisation initiatives, saying these measures would strengthen environmentally sustainable public transport in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also reviewed the functioning of the Transport and Motor Vehicles departments, assessing enforcement mechanisms, revenue generation, vehicle registration, issuance of driving licences and permits, road safety initiatives and the implementation of key transport infrastructure projects.
