Srinagar: Passenger transport in Jammu and Kashmir is set to become more expensive. Fares across the Union Territory will increase by 18 percent from January 1st, an official said.
A government order stated that after considerable deliberation and consensus among all stakeholders, it has been decided that an 18 percent increase in fares will be implemented for all categories of passenger vehicles operating in the Union Territory. The revised fares will come into effect from January 1st.
After receiving assurances from Transport Minister Satish Sharma, transporters had submitted seven demands to the government on December 15th to avert their strike, one of which was a fare increase. The transporters had called the strike to press for their demands, which included a fare hike, rationalization of road tax, addressing difficulties arising from the introduction of e-buses and non-implementation of schedules, resolution of route permit issues, delays in fitness certification, and release of pending payments from the Home Department, among others.
Representatives of the transporters had proposed a 40 percent increase in passenger fares, citing a significant rise in operational costs. However, the High-Level Meeting Fair Revision Committee (FRC) constituted by the government considered several factors, including the sharp increase in the cost of spare parts, fuel-related expenses, taxes, maintenance costs, and other operational inputs.
Subsequently, officials of the committee, headed by Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, and representatives of the transporters unanimously decided to increase the fares by 18 percent.
The official further added that a comprehensive cost analysis exercise was also examined during the discussions. While acknowledging the genuine concerns of the transporters, the committee also carefully considered the socio-economic impact of the fare revision on the general public. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that no undue financial burden is placed on the common man. Shabbir Ahmed Matt, Senior Vice Chairman of the All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association, said that they want their other demands also fulfilled, especially the demand for the immediate release of payments.
He further stated that their vehicles were used for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections and Amarnath Yatra duties, but the payments are still pending. They demand that all outstanding amounts be released immediately, as they are already facing financial difficulties.
