It seems that the earlier transporters protest has had a considerable impression upon the government that it didn’t took much for them to act as the transporters of Jammu and Kashmir seem to have been set up for a huge development.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved an 18 percent hike in fares for various categories of commercial passenger vehicles across the Union Territory, issuing a fresh notification in this regard.
An order issued by Transport Secretary Dr Piyush Singla accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the revised rates would be applicable over and above the fares notified under SRO-97 dated March 19, 2021.
The hike covers big and mini buses, base model contract carriages like Sumo, Bolero, Swift, as well as medium and premium segment tourist taxis including Innova and Fortuner.
The development comes shortly after the recently held protest by the transporters.
Auto-rickshaws (petrol version) and Tata Magic stage carriages have also been included in the 18 per cent hike, the order said.
For e-rickshaws, the government has fixed a fare of Rs 15 per kilometre, while e-autos will charge Rs 25 for the first kilometre and Rs 20 for each subsequent kilometre.
The Transport Commissioner has been directed to implement the revised maximum chargeable fares with immediate effect, officials said. The notification has been issued in exercise of powers under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. (KNS)
Although the hike would surely cheer up the despondent transporters but apprehensions are that this may conversely dent the back of commuters who may find it heavy on their pockets.
The people have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to review the decision and consider rolling back the hike, particularly in view of the economic conditions and the challenges faced by people living below the poverty line.
Earlier developments
The All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Welfare Association had earlier called for a Valley-wide ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) against the government’s proposal to expand Smart City bus services in other districts.
The transporters feared that this move may threaten their livelihood.
