JAMMU, May 24: In a major step aimed at improving passenger safety and accessibility, the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has made it mandatory for all Public Service Vehicles across the Union Territory to reserve seats for women and specially-abled passengers.
The Transport Department warned that strict legal action, including suspension or cancellation of vehicle permits, will be taken against operators violating the directions.
Transport Department Issues Fresh Circular
According to an official circular issued by the office of the Transport Commissioner, authorities found that earlier instructions regarding reservation of seats were not being implemented properly by transport operators and permit holders. The lack of compliance had reportedly caused inconvenience to women and persons with disabilities travelling in public vehicles.
To ensure proper implementation, the department has now reiterated clear guidelines for immediate enforcement across all categories of public transport.
Specific Seats Reserved in Buses
Under the new directions, seats numbered 1 to 12 in large buses and seats numbered 1 to 9 in medium and mini buses will remain exclusively reserved for women and specially-abled passengers.
Officials clarified that the reservation policy has been incorporated as a mandatory permit condition for operating public transport vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir.
Display of Reserved Seating Mandatory
The circular further directed vehicle owners and operators to clearly display signage stating “Reserved for Women and Specially-abled Persons” in bold white letters. The markings must be visible either on the back of the seats or near the reserved area inside the vehicle.
Authorities said the responsibility for ensuring proper display and implementation will rest directly with vehicle owners and operators.
Seats Must Be Vacated When Eligible Passengers Board
The government stated that reserved seats may be used temporarily by other passengers if no eligible commuter is present. However, such passengers must immediately vacate the seat once a woman or specially-abled person boards the vehicle during the journey.
Drivers and conductors have been made personally responsible for enforcing the reservation policy inside buses and other public service vehicles.
Enforcement Drives to Be Conducted
The Transport Department has instructed enforcement agencies, including the Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police, to conduct regular inspections and special checking drives at bus stands, transit points and along major routes to ensure strict compliance.
Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) have also been directed to verify implementation during fitness inspections, permit approvals and renewal processes.
Violators Face Legal Action
The circular warned that any violation of the directions would invite action under Section 192A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which deals with breach of permit conditions.
Penalties may include heavy fines, suspension of permits and cancellation of permits in cases of repeated violations.
Transport Commissioner Appeals for Public Cooperation
Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan urged transport operators and the public to cooperate in ensuring dignity, comfort and safety for women and specially-abled passengers.
He appealed to citizens to behave responsibly and support inclusive and safe public transport facilities across the Union Territory.