Transporters from the Poonch Group have strongly criticized the authorities over rampant illegal operation of contract carriage tempos and taxis at the Jammu New General Bus Stand, jeopardizing transport discipline along the Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch route. In a recent press conference, group representatives accused officials of ignoring widespread violations, calling it a “systemic subversion of transport discipline and law.”
S. Sher Singh, President of 3×2 Poonch Group, and S. Mohinder Singh, President of 2×2 Poonch Group, highlighted that approximately 60–70 illegal tempos and taxis, primarily registered outside Jammu from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, are operating daily as stage carriages—contrary to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Despite orders, these vehicles allegedly avoid designated stands at Bhagwati Nagar and Gujjar Nagar and instead pick passengers directly from busy public roads.
Transporters allege these violations have caused major financial losses to local bus operators and shopkeepers operating within the JDA-allotted premises. New shop owners inside the terminal reportedly hesitate to open due to the unchecked illegal operations, while genuine permit holders struggle to survive.
Leaders warn that unless authorities take strict action, the purpose of the multi-crore JDA bus terminal will be undermined, allowing illegal operators to flourish while law-abiding businesses suffer.
