Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to assess its functioning, modernization initiatives, and steps taken to enhance road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Department Avny Lavasa, Transport Commissioner, Managing Director J&K RTC, Director Motor Garages, RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu, and other senior officers.
Dulloo laid strong emphasis on the early completion and operationalization of key infrastructure projects, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR) in Jammu and the Inspection & Certification Centre (ICC) in Samba, terming them critical to modernizing transport services in the Union Territory. He directed implementing agencies to ensure “mission-mode execution” and time-bound completion to improve public service delivery.
Highlighting road safety as a top priority, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive action plan to curb traffic violations and reduce accidents. He also reviewed enforcement measures, including cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates (RCs) and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders.
The meeting reviewed the incidence of road accidents, fatalities, relief provided under the Road Safety Fund, and progress in dispatching driving licences — including clearing pending backlogs.
Presenting a detailed briefing, Avny Lavasa said the IDTR Jammu has completed its academic, hostel, and workshop blocks along with six state-of-the-art driving tracks. Driving licence trials began on January 14, 2025, and the project is expected to be fully completed by October 30, 2025.
At ICC Samba, civil and electrical works are complete, and an inspection report from ICAD is expected by October 15. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is in the process of tendering for the appointment of an operator for a two-year term.
Work on two Automated Testing Stations (ATS) through J&K RTC is expected to commence by October 15, while a privately developed ATS awaits official notification.
As part of technology-driven reforms, a DPR has identified 92 locations on highways for the installation of electronic enforcement devices. It will be vetted by the IT Department by October 15, with tenders expected by November 10.
On the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, Lavasa informed that the draft Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility Policy is in its final stage. Once notified, it will operationalize a ₹10 crore incentive fund to scrap around 3,500 government vehicles, potentially generating ₹170 crore in incentives.
Reviewing the revival of Inland Waterways (NW-49) on the Jhelum, the Chief Secretary directed strict adherence to timelines. Work on seven floating concrete jetties will start by October 15, while navigational aids and onshore development will begin by October 31. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The department also plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to operate a 20-passenger hybrid electric cruise/boat on a revenue-sharing basis with the government.
Progress on J&K SRTC digitization and revenue enhancement was also reviewed. The corporation projects revenue to grow from ₹114 crore (2021–24) to ₹240 crore in FY 2024–25 following fleet expansion and service upgrades.
A major digitization initiative — including online ticketing, route and schedule management, and real-time fuel monitoring — is underway, with tenders to be finalized by October 12, 2025.
So far, 1,07,627 driving licences have been dispatched from 1,28,715 new applications, and 1,21,672 licences from 1,51,103 backlog applications.
Concluding the review, Dulloo reiterated that these projects are central to the government’s vision of creating a modern, safe, efficient, and technology-driven transport ecosystem in J&K, ensuring better mobility, convenience, and road safety for all.