A Government notification has paved the way for ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber to operate in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2023, have been officially enacted following a period of public input and consideration of objections and suggestions. These rules apply to aggregators that bring vehicles into their operational area as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, including all motor vehicles and e-rickshaws. To operate as an aggregator, an entity must hold a valid licence issued under these rules. These services have been available in even smaller cities for over a decade. The Government has drafted comprehensive rules and regulations, along with guidelines, taking into account the interests of private operators, drivers, and the public. Special attention is being given to behavioural aspects and gender sensitization, as evidenced by the planned orientation workshops. Given that Jammu and Kashmir heavily relies on tourism, catering to the specific needs and safety of tourists is a top priority. Complaints about overcharging and non-compliance with metered fares and predefined routes by auto-rickshaws and taxis have been a long-standing issue. The introduction of Ola and Uber into the market is expected to bring significant improvements. These platforms, known for their use of technology and innovation, offer set rates for every kilometre of distance. Customers can instantly calculate and verify their fares using the app, eliminating the need for negotiation and ensuring fair and transparent pricing.
Jammu and Kashmir’s efforts to introduce these services demonstrate its commitment to keep pace with the rest of India and aligning with national trends in providing affordable, comfortable, and efficient transportation services. Other cities in India have already embraced app-based three-wheeler and two-wheeler taxi services, and it remains to be seen how these services will be implemented and adopted in Jammu and Kashmir. This move is expected to provide residents and tourists with improved transportation options and greater convenience.
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