Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony today lauded the long-awaited railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, calling it a “landmark development” for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
However, he has also raised significant concerns regarding the potential adverse impact this new mode of transport could have on thousands of individuals dependent on road transport for their livelihood.
In a statement issued today, Tony welcomed the launch of the Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar, noting that it would greatly ease passenger movement and enhance logistics in the region.
At the same time, he cautioned against overlooking the plight of the road transport sector, particularly truckers, taxi drivers and commercial vehicle operators, who have long braved challenging terrain and weather conditions to keep the regions connected.
Tony said, “Truckers, taxi drivers and other commercial vehicle operators ply between Jammu and Srinagar on a daily basis. Their livelihood is entirely dependent on road-based transportation. The sudden shift in freight and passenger traffic to railways could directly impact their earnings.”
He urged the Central Government to craft a comprehensive and supportive policy for the transport community that may be affected by this shift.
“We are not against development. We welcome rail connectivity wholeheartedly, but the government must ensure that one sector’s growth does not come at the cost of another’s survival,” he emphasized.
Tony also highlighted a long-standing grievance of transporters, pending payments from government departments.
“Nearly Rs 40 crore in dues are still pending with the J&K government, including expenses related to the last rally of Prime Minister Modi held in Jammu. These delays are pushing small operators into financial crisis,” he said, demanding immediate clearance of the pending amounts.
Calling for a balanced and inclusive approach to development, Tony urged the Central Government and the Union Territory administration to hold consultations with transporter unions and stakeholders to ensure their concerns are addressed.
“A progressive and inclusive vision is required, one that not only connects regions through modern infrastructure but also safeguards the livelihoods of those who have been the traditional lifeline between Jammu and Srinagar,” he added.
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