Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 7: Stating that no final decision has been taken on the fare hike yet, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir Qazi Irfan on Tuesday said that only recommendations for enhancement have been submitted to the government.
Irfan while talking to reporters here, said, “Drivers should not rush into increasing fares as final decision is awaited.”
The RTO said, “The transport department last notified fares for different categories of vehicles in 2021. Since then, various stakeholders, including transporters, have demanded a revision of rates citing inflation and rising operational costs.”
He said proposals received from stakeholders were examined at the RTO level and subsequently forwarded to the office of the Transport Commissioner. “After detailed deliberations with stakeholders, including transporters from across J&K, the proposals were placed before the Transport Fare Fixation Committee,” he said.
Irfan added that in the last meeting of the committee, all key stakeholders were consulted and a proposal recommending a percentage increase in fares was finalized and submitted to the government. “The proposal is now with the government, which will decide whether to accept it as it is or make changes. Only after government gives its nod the rates will be revised,” he said.
Advising transporters and drivers, the RTO Kashmir said they should not act hastily. “Any fare hike before official notification is illegal. Rates can be increased only after the government issues a formal order,” he added.
Appealing to passengers, Qazi Irfan said, “Anyone facing overcharging or any inconvenience can lodge a complaint by texting or sending a WhatsApp message or audio note to 9622002432. Strict action will be taken against drivers or vehicles found violating the prescribed rates.”
