‘Vehicle tracking device on MORTH instructions’
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, June 10: While the State Government has claimed that Vehicles Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) are being installed in the commercial vehicles for the safety of the passengers on the directions of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) in J&K, the transporters and vehicle operators in Kashmir and Jammu province, have reiterated their resolve to go ahead with their proposed strike program on June 12.
Dropping hint for going tough on the transporters/ vehicle operators in case they go on strike causing inconvenience to the general public, pilgrims and tourists in the State, Administrative Secretary, Transport Department, Asgar Samoon told the Excelsior that there was meeting between the representatives from Transport Unions and the top Government officials under the chairmanship of Governor’s Advisor during last week of April this year. The transport operators were told about the instructions from the MORTH to install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) in the commercial vehicles.
Samoon further disclosed that transporters sought some time for the installation of this system and a reasonable time of more than one and half month was also granted to them by the Transport Department. Now, they have raised the plea that Department has failed to set up Control Room for monitoring of the system.
“They should know that Control Room for the purpose already exists and some devices have been installed and a few will be in place with in week’s time. From the same control room the monitoring will take place. There should not be any problem to them for the installation of the system now. All the States have implemented the MORTH instructions and only our State has been left till today, Samoor maintained.
Replying to a question, Secretary Transport said, “ If they have any problem or issue, they should meet him. “The issue, if any, can be resolved through dialogue. But we will not succumb to the threats or any pressure. This is tourist season in the State and pilgrimage to Mata Vaishnodevi and other places is also on higher side now. We will not allow the general public, tourists or pilgrims to suffer. The Government, if needed, will go tough on them,” Samoon cautioned.
Secretary Transport further said that many transporters are operating old vehicles who have lived life of over 15-25 years, especially trucks at Jammu Railway Station, Bari Brahmana, Govindsar (Kathua) and many other places. They were told that their vehicles, which have crossed 15 years of operation will not be allowed to operate as per Central guidelines. “On their request, we have given them some relaxation but their operation would be stalled for the public safety.”
Samoon disclosed that many mini-buses are issued fitness certificate despite the fact that their seats are small and tight enough that two passengers can not sit properly on them and there is no enough space inside to move for the passengers. Auto-rikshaw operators are charging fare on their sweet will and are adamant to install meters. Many three wheelers and even mini-buses are operating without valid documents, he added.
“Many vehicles are found operating out of route many times giving slip to Traffic police and Transport department. With the installation of this device, such vehicles will be easily detected. This is main problem to some of the operators who have developed habit of operating out of route to earn more money and are avoiding its installation. The Government will not buzz at all, they have to install the devices for the safety of passengers and in case of strike, Government will operate SRTC vehicles and if needed, will bring some vehicles from Punjab and Himachal”, Samoon added.
Meanwhile, Chairman All J&K Transport Welfare Association, J&K, T S Wazir said that since there was no invitation for talks or intervention from the Government side, the Association has decided to go ahead with its strike program on Wednesday. He said MORTH has given clear instructions to J&K Govt to set up Control Room before installation of VLTD and Panic Buttons in commercial vehicles but there is no truth about setting up of Control Room for monitoring purpose by the Transport Department so far.
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