Jammu and Kashmir Sees Unprecedented Surge in Vehicles, Touches 27.29 Lakh

Record Revenue of ₹697.84 Cr Generated by J&K Motor Vehicles Department

Jammu, 15-03-2025: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented surge in vehicular growth over the past seven years, with the number of registered vehicles nearly doubling from 14.88 lakh in 2017 to 27.29 lakh by December 2024. This sharp increase, attributed to improved road infrastructure, rising commercial activities, and growing public demand, has led to significant challenges in traffic management and environmental sustainability, particularly in urban centers.

Alongside this expansion, the Motor Vehicles Department has generated remarkable revenue, collecting ₹697.84 crore in the financial year 2024-25 (ending December 2024) against a projected target of ₹1,430 crore. In the previous financial year, the department surpassed expectations by collecting ₹925.32 crore, exceeding the target of ₹915 crore. The official data further highlights that 1.33 lakh new vehicles were registered in 2024-25 up to December, with 71,653 fresh driving licenses issued, 54,052 licenses renewed, 9,997 fresh fitness certificates granted, 71,427 fitness certificates renewed, 9,548 new route permits issued, and 18,408 route permits renewed.

To address the challenges arising from this vehicular surge, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified efforts to enhance road safety, regulate public transport, and introduce environmentally friendly mobility solutions. The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been deployed to improve traffic monitoring and enforce e-challan penalties, ensuring stricter compliance with road safety norms. In a bid to modernize public transport, 200 e-buses have already been introduced, with an additional 200 approved under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. Furthermore, the Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system has gained significant traction, recording 4.77 crore rides as of March 2024.

Recognizing the need for stringent vehicle and driver regulations, the government has established Inspection & Certification Centres (ICC) across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure vehicle fitness and introduced the Institute of Drivers Training & Research (IDTR) in Jammu to enhance driving skills and promote road safety awareness. Fare regulation through the State Transport Authority has been implemented to maintain affordability and fairness in public transport services, while the Transport Subsidy Scheme is being expanded to encourage sustainable mobility.

Additionally, the administration is focusing on upgrading RTO and ARTO offices to streamline service delivery and enhance public convenience. A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is also being explored to boost investment in transport infrastructure and improve overall connectivity. With vehicle registrations at an all-time high and record revenue generation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration remains committed to implementing long-term solutions for efficient traffic management, enhanced road safety, and sustainable transportation, ensuring a more organized and environmentally responsible future for the region.