Chief Secretary for fast tracking modernisation of transport sector
Srinagar, Oct 7: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to assess its overall functioning, modernisation initiatives, and measures aimed at enhancing road safety across J&K.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa; Transport Commissioner; Managing Director, J&K RTC; Director, Motor Garages; RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers of the department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on the early completion and operationalisation of key infrastructure projects, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), Jammu, and the Inspection & Certification Centre (ICC), Samba, terming them as critical to modernizing transport services in the Union Territory.
He directed all implementing agencies to ensure mission-mode execution and time-bound completion of projects so as to improve public service delivery and efficiency. Underscoring road safety as one of the department’s top priorities, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive action plan to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents. He reviewed enforcement measures such as the cancellation of driving licences and Registration Certificates (RCs) and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders.
He also took stock of the incidence of road accidents, fatalities, and the relief extended to victims under the Road Safety Fund, besides reviewing the pace of dispatch of driving licences to applicants, including clearance of pending backlogs.
Presenting a detailed overview of the department’s initiatives, Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa, gave a comprehensive briefing on key projects and strategic reforms aimed at transforming J&K’s transport infrastructure and governance.
It was informed that two major facilities, like IDTR, Jammu and ICC, Samba are nearing completion. The IDTR has completed its academic, hostel, and workshop blocks along with all six state-of-the-art driving tracks. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has installed all automation equipment, and driving licence trials commenced on January 14, 2025, with overall completion expected by October 30, 2025.
At ICC, Samba, civil and electrical works have been completed, while the inspection report from ICAD is expected by October 15, 2025. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is in the process of tendering for the appointment of an operator for a two-year term, the meeting was informed.
It was further apprised that the work on two Automated Testing Stations (ATS) through J&K RTC is expected to commence by October 15, while a privately developed ATS is awaiting official notification.
