Jammu, Dec 24 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved an 18 per cent increase in passenger transport fares across the Union Territory, striking a balance between rising operational costs and commuter interests after turning down a 40% hike demand submitted by transporters.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Fare Revision Committee (FRC) chaired by Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, where stakeholders held detailed deliberations on fare rationalisation.
Transporters’ associations had earlier submitted a proposal seeking a 40 per cent fare hike, citing a steep rise in operational inputs including spare parts, fuel-linked expenses, taxes, maintenance, and vehicle upkeep costs. The committee examined a comprehensive cost analysis report and conducted “threadbare discussions,” the government said in its statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
While acknowledging the legitimate financial concerns of the transport sector, the FRC also assessed the socio-economic impact on the public, emphasising that the common man should not face disproportionate financial strain due to fare revision.
Following extensive discussions and a unanimous consensus among stakeholders, the committee approved an 18% hike applicable to all categories of passenger vehicles operating across Jammu & Kashmir. The revised fare structure will come into effect from January 1, 2026 (01.01.2026).
Officials said the decision reflects a measured and people-centric approach, ensuring the long-term viability of the transport sector while safeguarding the interests of daily commuters.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, Acting Transport Commissioner Anju Gupta, MD JKRTC Abdul Rashid War, representatives from Northern Command (C/o 56 APO), RTO Kashmir, RTO Jammu, Additional Secretary GAD, Additional Secretary GAD, members of the committee, and delegates from various Transporters’ Associations across the UT.
The government said the move is aimed at ensuring transport sustainability without imposing excessive burden on passengers, while also addressing inflationary pressures impacting the sector. (KDC)
