Jammu, Oct 11: In a major move to streamline traffic and regulate the movement of e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws in Jammu city, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas, IAS, today announced a Colour-Zone System to be implemented across the district from October 23, 2025.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside SSP Traffic Farooq Qaiser and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, Dr. Minhas said the initiative aims to curb the unregulated movement of e-rickshaws and ensure passenger safety. The decision has been taken after extensive consultations with transport and e-rickshaw unions.
Under the new system, Jammu district has been divided into six colour-coded operational zones:
Zone-1 (Pink): Traffic City South Jammu
Zone-2 (Blue): Traffic City North Jammu
Zone-3 (Yellow): Akhnoor (Rural)
Zone-4 (Red): R.S. Pura (Rural)
Zone-5 (Green): Marh (Rural)
Zone-6 (Black): Nagrota (Rural)
Each e-rickshaw, e-auto and e-cart will have to display zone-wise colour-coded plates on both the front and rear sides. The installation must be completed within seven days, failing which violators will face seizure and penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Dr. Minhas emphasized that no e-rickshaw or e-auto will be allowed to operate on any flyover, National Highway, or State Highway, as these vehicles are classified as slow-moving, with a speed limit of 25 km/h, making them unsuitable for high-speed corridors.
However, the administration has approved seven designated crossings for controlled inter-zone movement:
- Amphalla Hospital towards District Jail
- Bakshi Nagar towards old Shakuntala Theatre
- KC Theatre (Backside) towards Shalamar Children Hospital
- Hotel Asia towards District Police Line
- Shastri Nagar Cremation Ground towards Shiksha Niketan School
- Marble Market towards Greater Kailash
- Kunjwani crossing towards Greater Jammu
Additionally, e-rickshaws registered outside District Jammu will not be permitted to operate within city limits. Joint Enforcement Teams, comprising officials from Traffic Police, RTO Jammu, and Tehsildars, will conduct on-ground checks to prevent overcharging, unregistered operations, and inter-zone violations.
The system will be implemented for an initial period of three months, after which it will be reviewed based on compliance and feedback from stakeholders.
Dr. Minhas noted that the surge in e-rickshaws and e-autos had led to traffic congestion, lack of discipline, and safety concerns. “The Colour-Zone initiative is a coordinated step to bring discipline, safety, and smooth traffic movement back to Jammu city,” he said.
