Transporters Warn of UT-Wide Protest Over Unresolved Issues, Pending Dues

Jammu, Nov 4: The All J&K Transport Welfare Association has sounded an alarm over what it describes as the government’s continued neglect of the transport sector, warning of large-scale protests if long-pending issues are not resolved immediately. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, the Association’s leaders expressed frustration over administrative apathy, alleging that thousands of transporters, drivers, and vehicle owners across the Union Territory are being pushed toward financial collapse.

The leaders charged that commercial vehicles are being blacklisted arbitrarily, often without proper verification or justification. They further alleged that enforcement authorities are misusing the e-challaning system, issuing challans indiscriminately to meet revenue targets instead of improving road discipline. “The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued clear procedural guidelines for challaning, but they are not being followed. This has turned the system into a tool of harassment rather than regulation,” a spokesperson for the Association remarked.

The Association highlighted that the last year had been particularly devastating for transporters. The Pahalgam terror attack disrupted passenger and goods transport for several weeks, while subsequent floods damaged vital road infrastructure, causing massive losses and prolonged route closures. “Even during natural disasters and difficult times, transporters kept the supply lines running,” the Association said, lamenting that the administration had not reciprocated their dedication.

Adding to their woes, the Association revealed that the bills for vehicles used during election rallies in 2021, 2022, and 2024 remain unpaid. Similarly, transport services provided during the Khelo India Games in Kashmir have also not been compensated. Despite repeated representations, memorandums, and meetings with concerned officials, the dues are still pending, placing enormous financial stress on small operators.

Another pressing issue is the long-overdue revision of transport fares. The last tariff adjustment was made in 2021, while the prices of fuel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance have sharply increased since then. “We have met the Transport Commissioner several times and held 5 to 6 rounds of discussions, but no decision has been taken. We cannot survive on outdated rates when operating costs have doubled,” the leaders stated.

The Association reiterated that it has always supported the government in maintaining essential transport services and promoting safe travel. However, it said that the patience of transporters is running out. “If our demands are ignored once again, we will have no choice but to launch a UT-wide agitation,” the members warned, emphasizing that the government must act before frustration spills over into the streets.

They urged the administration to establish a joint grievance redressal mechanism, streamline the verification of challans and blacklisting procedures, release pending dues immediately, and revise passenger fares in line with inflation. “We are not asking for privileges,” one of the senior leaders said. “We are simply demanding fairness, respect, and survival for those who keep Jammu and Kashmir moving.”