Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 4: Ahead of the peak tourist season, the Transport Department of Ladakh is set to enhance mobility and enforcement measures, following a high-level review by Administrative Secretary Bhupesh Chaudhary at the UT Secretariat.
The meeting focused on streamlining transport operations, tackling congestion, and ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
Chaudhary directed Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) of Leh and Kargil to submit daily enforcement reports, detailing violations and corrective actions.
To address rising traffic congestion, he ordered immediate decongestion of critical routes, deployment of traffic personnel, and enhanced coordination with police.
Illegal parking and vehicle obstructions in key tourist areas must be swiftly tackled, he emphasized.
A strict crackdown on unauthorized check posts was also announced.
Chaudhary warned that no private union or individual can stop or harass tourists with valid permits, vowing strict action against violators.
Recognizing the role of taxi drivers in shaping visitor experiences, the Transport Secretary mandated a sensitization program to train drivers in professional conduct, tourism protocols, and emergency response.
The Transport Department will also implement reforms in the permit issuance system to reduce delays and improve transparency.
To prevent fare exploitation, updated taxi rates will be widely published, ensuring fair pricing for both tourists and drivers.
Additionally, Chaudhary ordered a clean-up of the VAHAN database, eliminating duplicate vehicle entries and outdated records. The implementation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) will also be expedited.
Ongoing projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) were also reviewed during the meeting, with officials instructed to submit weekly progress reports and resolve administrative delays.
The meeting, attended by senior transport and traffic officials, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a well-managed and tourist-friendly Ladakh.
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