Jammu, Mar 16:
A delegation from the All J&K Passengers’ Welfare Association (AJKPWA), led by its president Pt RC Sharma and Secretary General Mr Inderjeet Sharma, met with the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu, Mr Jasmeet Singh JKAS, in his office to discuss various pressing issues related to passenger welfare. During the meeting, the deputation raised several concerns and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the problems faced by passengers.
The delegation highlighted the need for transporters to be held accountable for ensuring that services operate regularly and on time, especially the last bus service of the day. They pointed out that the behavior of drivers and conductors towards elderly passengers is often inappropriate, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of all passengers. The deputation also stressed the need to set a minimum age limit of 28 years for drivers of passenger vehicles.
Additionally, they proposed that the RTO and ARTO should implement route-specific registrations for drivers and conductors to prevent any sort of misconduct. The delegation called for a 50% fare reduction for standing passengers, as compared to regular fares, and insisted that every passenger vehicle should be equipped with a fully stocked first-aid box. Proper fitness certificates should be issued only after thorough inspections of the vehicles, they suggested.
A key demand raised by the deputation was for passenger insurance coverage, which should be provided at the transporters' expense. They also called for a 50% fare concession for students on all days, including holidays, and at all times without any restrictions. In addition, the delegation recommended the establishment of passenger complaint cells at each tehsil head. They also urged the installation of GPS and CCTV systems in all passenger vehicles for improved security and monitoring.
The deputation further recommended that a Passenger Welfare Fund be created, with contributions from transporters. They called for the identification of fixed stops for passenger vehicles operating in cities and proposed a blanket ban on playing loud music in these vehicles. The delegation emphasized the importance of eliminating unnecessary delays by drivers, mandating the display of driver and conductor names on the vehicles, and requiring specific uniforms for easy identification.
Other suggestions included installing complaint boxes by the traffic department in every vehicle, introducing annual training for drivers and conductors on passenger interaction, and imposing strict penalties for overloading on the rooftops of passenger vehicles. They also proposed a monthly engagement system for drivers and conductors, as opposed to daily engagements, to improve safety and job stability. Furthermore, they called for Rs 25,000 penalty and immediate license cancellation for drivers caught using mobile phones while driving.
In a separate demand, the delegation requested the immediate commencement of a bus service from GMC Bakshi Nagar to Karloop village in Marh Block, aimed at providing relief to the residents of Karloop and nearby villages.
The RTO Jammu, Mr Jasmeet Singh JKAS, attentively listened to the concerns and appreciated the AJKPWA's efforts in advocating for passenger welfare. He assured the delegation that he would initiate actions based on the issues raised in the memorandum and work towards making the operations of the transport department more passenger-friendly. Additionally, he assured that the bus service for Karloop village would be started without delay.
Other prominent members of the deputation who participated in the meeting included Mr Ashwani Sharma, Mr Prem Singh, Mr Dalip Sharma, Mr Sanjay Sharma, Mr Suesh Singh, and Mr Parveen Raina, among others.
