All J&K Transport Welfare Association Announces One-Day Token Strike Against Govt ‘Apathy’
The All J&K Transport Welfare Association has announced a one‑day token strike, accusing the government of failing to resolve long‑pending issues faced by the transport sector across the Union Territory. Association chairman S. Karan Singh Wazir, addressing a press conference in Jammu, alleged an “apathetic and lackadaisical approach” by the administration despite repeated memorandums submitted to the Transport Department, the minister, secretary and commissioner concerned.
• Non‑implementation of e‑bus schedules in Jammu and lack of planning for Srinagar.
• Around 200% hike in fitness and passing fees under new MoRTH norms.
• Ineffective testing centres, e‑challan issues and non‑revision of tariffs since 2021.
E‑Bus Plans, Fee Hike Under Fire
Wazir said that though schedules and timetables for electric buses in Jammu have been finalised on paper, authorities have failed to execute them on the ground, while no concrete roadmap exists for introducing e‑buses in Srinagar. He also slammed the “steep” 200% increase in vehicle fitness and passing fees under a recent Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification, arguing that the decision was taken without considering its impact on an already struggling transport community.
Testing Centres, E‑Challans And Tariff Delay
The association described existing automatic testing and fitness centres as incapable of handling the volume of vehicles and demanded that these facilities be regularised and properly supervised in all districts. On e‑challans, Wazir pointed to frequent blacklisting and technical issues that continue despite multiple meetings with the IG Traffic, saying no tangible relief has been provided so far.
Transporters are also agitated over the government’s failure to revise passenger and freight tariffs since 2021, even after detailed cost‑of‑operation reports were submitted during consultations, which they say has created an “unsustainable” financial burden as fuel and maintenance costs have risen sharply.
Terming the protest a “final warning”, Wazir said the one‑day strike is symbolic and urged the administration to intervene urgently, cautioning that stronger, indefinite agitation cannot be ruled out if demands continue to be ignored.
