Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: BJP MP, Rajya Sabha, Gulam Ali Khatana has urged the Transport Commissioner, J&K to resolve the issue of transporters facing problems at Sonamarg Check Post in Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley.
In a communiqué to Transport Commissioner, Rahul Sharma, MP informed that over the past few months, a number of delegations of transporters have met and sought his assistance in addressing a recurring issue that has been plaguing the transport industry in J&K pertaining to the apparent obstruction of the onward journey of 14 Chakka trucks heading to Leh at the Sonamarg Check Post.
The transporters have expressed their grave concerns regarding the frequent stopping of 14 Chakka trucks by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) at the Sonamarg Check Post, leading to substantial delays and considerable financial losses. Furthermore, there is a serious discrepancy in the interpretation of regulations governing the movement of commercial vehicles through this checkpoint.
Transporters said that the Additional Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) of Ganderbal Wajahat claimed that the Deputy Commissioner’s permission is necessary for the 14 Chakka trucks to pass through Sonamarg. However, conflicting reports from the Traffic Police Department indicate that no such restrictions exist. This
inconsistency in the application of the rules has caused significant confusion among the transporters and has also given rise to allegations of corruption within the MVD, the MP added.
Khatana further said that resolution to this issue be expedited, as it is not only disrupting the logistics and transport sector but also casting a shadow of suspicion and mistrust over the entire transportation process. Clarity and uniformity in the enforcement of regulations are essential for the smooth functioning of region’s businesses and the well-being of its people.
He asked Transport Commissioner to take immediate and decisive action to address the concerns including clarifying the regulations and requirements for commercial vehicles traveling through the Sonamarg Check Post, particularly those destined for Leh; If there is a ban or specific permissions required, then communicate it clearly to all stakeholders, including the transporters, and provide guidance on the necessary steps to obtain permissions. Further Investigate and rectify any allegations of corruption within the Motor Vehicle Department, ensuring that the integrity of the Department is upheld; Collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Traffic Police Department, to establish a consistent and uniform set of regulations that can be applied at the Sonamarg Check Post.
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