Association says Transport sector on brink of collapse, seeks relief
Srinagar, Dec 9: Accusing the government of “consistent neglect” and “discriminatory policies”, the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association on Tuesday announced a one-day token strike on December 15, warning that the transport sector is “on the verge of collapse” due to official apathy and long-pending grievances.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, the Association’s General Secretary, Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf, said transporters from both Jammu and Kashmir have unanimously decided to suspend operations for a day to protest the government’s “failure to resolve key issues” despite repeated representations. He said the strike is intended to highlight the crisis facing thousands of families dependent on the sector.
“We have been raising legitimate demands for years, but nothing has moved. The transport sector is suffering due to ill-conceived decisions, excessive taxation and lack of coordination. We are left with no option but to protest,” Yousuf said. He added that after the token strike, the Association will give the government a seven-day ultimatum, after which a “major decision” — including an indefinite strike — could follow.
Yousuf said the sector is currently facing multiple challenges, including unregulated expansion of e-buses, steep hikes in various taxes and arbitrary e-challans. He alleged that e-buses are being operated without route regulation, often encroaching upon private operators’ designated routes. Unlike Jammu, he said, Kashmir still lacks a uniform timetable for e-buses and RTC services, creating “chaos and conflict” on routes.
The Association presented key demands, including regulation of e-bus operations and a halt to further expansion until private transporters receive a level playing field or subsidised support to adopt electric fleets. They also sought a fixed timetable for all e-buses and RTC vehicles, rollback of recent tax hikes—particularly fitness, green tax (Rs 8,000–15,000) and renewal fees which have soared to around Rs 25,000—and transparent implementation of e-challan rules with proper evidence and verification.
Responding to queries, Yousuf said transporters are not against new technology or cleaner mobility. “We support modernisation and have already adopted eco-friendly vehicles. But small operators cannot afford e-buses costing several lakh rupees. If subsidies are provided, we will gladly shift,” he said. He also alleged that Smart City e-bus contracts were awarded in a “non-transparent” manner, ignoring local transporters who have kept services running through difficult decades.
