Ganderbal, Sep 14: Allegations of selective checking at the Transport Department’s weighbridge in Sonamarg have raised concerns over the enforcement of load restrictions on commercial vehicles travelling towards Ladakh.
The weighbridge is meant to ensure that commercial vehicles carrying goods on the Srinagar-Leh highway comply with prescribed load limits before proceeding towards Ladakh.
However, drivers and sources familiar with the facility have alleged that some overloaded vehicles are being allowed to bypass the weighing process, while other vehicles are subjected to checking and issued weighment slips.
Drivers alleged that such selective checking allows vehicles carrying excess loads to avoid penalties and undermines the purpose of the weighbridge.
According to sources, an overloaded vehicle can attract a penalty of Rs 22,000, which is deposited into the government treasury through an official receipt. They alleged that every vehicle allowed to bypass the facility not only escapes the prescribed penalty, but also avoids scrutiny under the load restrictions.
Several drivers demanded that all commercial vehicles travelling towards Ladakh should be subjected to the same weighing procedure.
“If some vehicles can bypass the weighbridge, there is no point in having such a facility,” drivers said, urging the authorities to ensure transparency and uniform enforcement.
The Sonamarg weighbridge has faced concerns over its functioning in the past. In June 2023, the then Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, had acknowledged that manpower shortages were contributing to loaded vehicles evading the weighing process. The department had subsequently proposed measures including online CCTV monitoring and deployment of additional staff.
The facility also came under scrutiny in September 2023 after the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Selection Grade Constable Muhammad Ayoub of the J&K Traffic Police at Sonamarg while allegedly accepting Rs 9,000 in a trap case. The action was reportedly based on a complaint alleging bribery at the traffic post.
Previous reports had also highlighted instances of vehicles allegedly proceeding towards Kargil without undergoing weighing. In one such case, five vehicles were seized after allegedly travelling despite traffic restrictions, with the Assistant Regional Transport Officer confirming the action.
The Transport Department again reviewed the functioning of the Sonamarg weighbridge in December 2025. During the inspection, the Transport Secretary assessed the facility’s infrastructure and manpower and directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of axle-load norms, transparency in operations and round-the-clock functioning.
Meanwhile, drivers have raised additional concerns over the prolonged posting of some employees at the facility. They have sought regular rotation or transfer of personnel and alleged that some staff members posted there do not wear official uniforms.
When contacted, the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, said he would look into the allegations.
