Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 19: The Kashmir Transporters Confederation today expressed concern regarding various issues faced by transporters, calling for immediate action to address these challenges.
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According to a spokesperson from the confederation, one of the primary concerns is the unnecessary interference and demands for oversight by Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs), particularly ARTO Bandipora. “ARTOs’ interference in the election process of transport unions, which are registered with the Labour Department, is contrary to legal requirements,” he said.
He said that they requested the Transport Department and relevant authorities to intervene and provide directives to prevent further meddling by the ARTOs. “Transporters have reported problems related to the documentation of vehicles associated with transport unions, companies, and stands. Despite existing regulations outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the ARTOs and Regional Transport Office (RTO) are insisting on the physical presence of vehicle owners during documentation procedures,” he said.
He added that this practice is causing disruptions and inconveniences for drivers, vehicle owners, and transport companies. The spokesperson emphasized that authorized representatives should be allowed to handle the documentation process, as directed by the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988.
He said the recent relocation of the General Bus Stand from Batamaloo to Parimpora has also drawn significant criticism from the general public, commuters, transporters, and traders in the vicinity. The decision, aimed at decongesting Srinagar, was executed without seeking expert opinions or conducting scientific analyses, leading to public grievances. “We are now urging the authorities to consider operating proportionate buses from the former General Bus Stand in Batamaloo and other suitable locations within the city,” he said.
He said despite a court ruling that exempts taxi cabs from restrictions on passenger vehicles in certain areas, traffic authorities have continued to impose limitations on them, citing decongestion as the rationale. The confederation asserts that this interpretation goes against the court’s directives and demands that traffic authorities adhere to the orders issued by the Hon’ble High Court.
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