*Address pending issues or face ‘Chakka Jam’: Wazir
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 19: Stating that Government is forcing transporters to adopt agitational path, All J&K Transport Welfare Association expressed its deep concern and strong resentment over the continued inaction and failure to address the long-pending issues and legitimate demands of the transport fraternity.
Addressing a press conference here today, Chairman of the AJKTWA, Karan Singh Wazir strongly supported the ongoing strike of the Kashmir transporters and said that Government is forcing the transporters of entire J&K to resort to complete ‘Chakka Jam’. He said despite repeated representations and constructive engagement, the most critical issue of tariff revision remains unresolved.
Wazir recalled that following the Association’s call for a proposed “Chakka Jam,” a meeting was held on Dec 12, 2025 resulted in a firm assurance from the Government for an 18% tariff hike effective from 1st January 2026. Subsequently, this implementation was deferred to the commencement of the new financial year, i.e., 1st April 2026. However, even after the lapse of considerable time, the requisite SRO/ notification has not been issued.
Compounding the distress of transporters, the recent increase in diesel prices by Rs 2 per litre has imposed an additional financial burden, further aggravating the already precarious economic condition of operators. Click here to watch video
Association also drew serious attention to the unchecked and arbitrary functioning of e-buses. These vehicles are operating in blatant violation of approved routes and time schedules as finalized by the Joint Committee comprising the Smart City Fleet, RTO authorities, and representatives of the Transport sector. Initially, restricted to municipal limits, e-buses are now operating across districts without permits, creating operational disorder, unfair competition, and loss of livelihood for conventional transport operators.
Further, the illegal collection of Adda fee on National Highways by private contractors continues unabated despite multiple representations and clear judicial pronouncements. It is a settled legal position, upheld by the Supreme Court, that Municipalities are not authorized to levy such fees on National Highways. Yet, despite directions issued to Deputy Commissioners by competent authorities, no effective action has been taken, reflecting administrative apathy.
Wazir extended full support to the ongoing agitation call by the Kashmir transporters and urged the Government to take immediate, concrete, and time-bound action to resolve all pending matters. He said failure to do so will leave the transport community with no alternative but to resort to democratic means of protest, including a complete Jammu & Kashmir bandh.
Senior members present at the conference included- Vijay Singh Chib, Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Gurdeep Singh, Balbir Singh, Ranjit Singh, Labh Singh, Kuldeep Singh, KD Singh, Niranjan Singh, Vijay Dogra and others.
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