jj correspondent
Jammu, Sept 15: The All J&K Transport Welfare Association (AJKTWA) has submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, raising serious concerns over arbitrary vehicle blacklisting, non-compliant e-challans, high ATS costs, pending fare revision, and delayed e-bus routes.
Signed by Chairman Karan Singh Wazir and other senior members, the memorandum alleges that vehicles are being blacklisted without any fixed criteria, often for minor or pending challans, putting drivers’ livelihoods at risk. The Association stated that most e-challans are issued without mandatory photo/video proof as per MoRTH guidelines, relying instead on manual or unverified entries.
Transporters also highlighted the absence of designated pick-up/drop-off points in key towns like Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Sopore, where drivers are penalized despite the lack of notified halting zones.
The rollout of Automatic Testing Stations (ATS) was also criticized. AJKTWA said it was done without stakeholder consultation, with a fee structure that burdens drivers and benefits private operators. They warned that unregulated ATS could lead to monopolies and exploitation, especially with most centers concentrated in Jammu district.
The Association demanded immediate revision of passenger fares, last updated in 2021, citing increased fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. Delays in notifying already-approved e-bus routes were also flagged, with fears that overlaps and confusion could affect both traditional and electric bus operations.
The transporters urged the administration to:
Suspend arbitrary blacklisting until clear norms are issued
Ensure MoRTH-compliant challans with proper evidence
Notify passenger halting zones
Regulate ATS operations fairly
Enforce overdue fare revisions
Expedite e-bus route notifications with proper coordination
Chairman Wazir warned that continued neglect could push thousands of transporter families into crisis. “Transport is vital to J&K’s economy. Policies must be fair, transparent, and supportive of those providing essential services,” he said. The transporter community awaits prompt redressal of their demands.
