Satish Sharma for tech-driven, citizen centric reforms in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 30: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services & Sports, Transport and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Thursday chaired a series of review meetings to assess the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), Transport, Motor Vehicles and State Motor Garages departments.
The meetings focused on evaluating the current performance, service delivery and operational challenges across these departments.
Laying down a roadmap for the future, the Minister stressed on technology-driven reforms, modern infrastructure and sustainable transport development across Jammu and Kashmir. He called for improved service delivery through digital solutions and better facilities, while directing officials to work toward a more efficient and citizen-friendly transport system in the UT.
The Minister undertook an extensive review of 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 functioning under the Transport sector.
Emphasising that an efficient, safe and reliable transport system is indispensable for economic growth and public welfare, Satish Sharma said that every institution under the Transport Department must evolve into a modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric organisation capable of meeting the growing mobility requirements 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 assessed its operational efficiency, route coverage, fleet availability, manpower position, financial performance and passenger services.
Stressing the need to bridge the gap between the existing fleet and operational requirements, he directed the officers to prepare a time-bound roadmap for fleet augmentation, expansion of services in underserved areas and optimum utilisation of available buses and trucks.
He appreciated the Corporation’s improving operational performance and called for sustained efforts towards route optimisation, prudent resource management and enhanced financial sustainability.
The Minister also reviewed the successful implementation of the free bus travel initiative for women. He emphasised that welfare measures should continue while ensuring operational viability of the Corporation.
Highlighting the importance of digital transformation, Satish Sharma directed the officials to expedite 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 improve transparency, operational efficiency and commuter convenience.
The Minister also reviewed plans for induction of electric buses, development of EV charging infrastructure and asset monetisation initiatives. He said that these would significantly strengthen the environmentally sustainable public transport in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing the functioning of the Transport Department and Motor Vehicles Department, Satish Sharma assessed the enforcement mechanisms, revenue generation, vehicle registration, issuance of driving licences and permits, road safety initiatives and the implementation of key transport infrastructure projects.
Expressing serious concern over road accidents, Satish Sharma emphasised that safeguarding human lives must remain the foremost priority. He directed for strict enforcement of traffic regulations, scientific road safety interventions, extensive awareness campaigns and close inter-departmental coordination to minimise road fatalities.
The Minister reviewed enforcement measures against habitual traffic offenders, including suspension of driving licences, cancellation of registrations and intensified enforcement drives. He appreciated the department’s focus on ensuring compliance with road safety regulations rather than merely imposing monetary penalties.
Satish Sharma also reviewed the progress of major initiatives including Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), the Institute of Driver Training and Research, the Inspection and Certification Centre at Samba, implementation of the e-DAR platform, PM-Rahat for road accident victims and identification and rectification of accident-prone blackspots.
The Minister directed the officers to expedite completion of all ongoing infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency. He also reviewed the proposals relating to bike taxi and rent-a-bike policies, observing that such initiatives should generate employment opportunities while ensuring passenger safety, regulatory compliance and affordable mobility.
Calling for greater use of Artificial Intelligence and advanced data analytics, Satish Sharma emphasised the need for intelligent transport systems capable of improving enforcement, identifying accident hotspots, monitoring habitual offenders and facilitating evidence-based policy decisions.
Reviewing the functioning of the State Motor Garages Department, the Minister examined its organisational structure, fleet management, vehicle maintenance, workshop infrastructure, procurement processes, auction of condemned vehicles, manpower position and revenue generation.
“The State Motor Garages Department must continuously upgrade itself with changing technology and administrative requirements. Our objective is to reduce vehicle downtime, improve maintenance standards and create a professionally managed transport support system for effective governance,” he observed.
The Minister directed the officers to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for gradual induction of fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles while upgrading the workshop infrastructure with modern equipment and repair technologies.
Expressing concern over shortages of drivers, mechanics and technical personnel, Satish Sharma instructed the concerned authorities to expedite recruitment processes and strengthen the department’s human resource capacity. He also called for regular skill upgradation programmes to equip technical staff with emerging automobile technologies and modern maintenance practices.
During the review, the Minister also examined policy proposals relating the revision of the government car policy. He directed the officers to process all pending policy matters within a defined timeline to meet evolving administrative requirements.
He said that coordinated efforts among JKRTC, the Transport Department, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages would play a transformative role in improving mobility, enhancing road safety, expanding digital governance and delivering efficient, affordable and sustainable transport services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the meeting observed a two-minute silence in memory of Late Jugal Kishore Sharma, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), in recognition of his dedicated services to the department.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Transport, Avny Lavasa; Transport Commissioner, Visesh Paul Mahajan; Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), A.R. War; Director, State Motor Garages, Tahir Malik; Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) Kashmir, Jammu and Kathua besides other senior officers of the Transport Department, JKRTC, Motor Vehicles Department and State Motor Garages Department.