Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 3: Even as the government maintains that no official order has been issued regarding a hike in passenger fares, transporters across several parts of Kashmir have already increased the rates, leading to confusion and resentment among commuters.
According to the details available, last week the government ‘reportedly approved an 18 percent’ hike in passenger fares across all categories of public transport vehicles, with the revised rates scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The decision followed deliberations by the Fare Revision Committee (FRC), chaired by Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya, during a meeting with transporter representatives at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu on December 23.
However, no formal notification has been issued till date by the government, leading to uncertainty on the ground. Transporters have also stated they plan to implement the fare hike from January 5—Monday.
“There was a meeting at the Civil Secretariat from about 7 PM to 8 PM—what was it for if fares were not up for revision?” asked a transporter.
He said that transporters were compelled to increase fares due to the government not revising rates during the past five years.
“Our fitness fare increased from Rs 13,000 per year to Rs 28,000 at one point—over 200 percent. The hike will apply across Jammu and Kashmir for all vehicles, large or small, including passenger vehicles,” he said, adding that it will come into force from their side from January 5, 2026.
Despite the government’s claims, several commuters said they are already paying higher fares. “I used to pay Rs 25 from Brein Nishat to Lal Chowk Srinagar, but from January 1, they started asking Rs 30,” said Firdous Nazir, a commuter.
Another commuter, Sajad Ahmad, said that fares have suddenly gone up without any notice, leaving passengers unsure about the actual rates. “Before I used to pay, Rs 20 and now I paid Rs 30 from Pantha Chowk to Dal Gate Srinagar and it is frustrating,” he said.
Another student who travels daily said, she used to pay Rs 60 from Awantipora to Dalgate, Srinagar, but drivers are now demanding between Rs 75 and 80.
The J&K Transport Welfare Association, which had earlier demanded a 35–40 percent hike, had welcomed the government’s 18 percent increase, calling it a “balanced decision.”
Meanwhile, MLA Zadibal and NC’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq refuted claims of any fare hike, saying it was merely a proposal and “has not been approved yet.”
“There has been no notification of revised fares. The government must clarify the matter immediately,” Sadiq told reporters over a week ago when asked about the situation.
The contradictory statements have left both passengers and transporters confused. With no official order in circulation, some routes are witnessing arbitrary fare increases, while others continue under old rates. (KNO)
