No need to protest modernization of transport sector
Public transport sector in Jammu and Kashmir needs lot of improvement even today. Though smart city buses and e-vehicles are becoming a reality in the UT, but still lot more needs to be done so that the sector achieves its desired level.
Jammu as well as Kashmir has witnessed very slow growth in public transport over the past several decades. The old worn out and out of fashion buses have dominated our bumpy roads for decades no attention was given to this dire deficiency.
Even the small private passenger buses approved for running in cities and major towns are so uncomfortable that no grown up man or woman is able to be seated comfortable even for a few minutes of ride.
Long term travel using such modes of transportation will prove detrimental for any person as the vehicles are so ill designed that a person of medium height curses himself for adopting this mode of travel.
While public transport has seen immense growth in metros and other cities across India we too started to experience the same over the past four or five years. Not only have the authorities been stressing on introducing pollution free vehicles but comfort-ability is also being taken care of.
However, the sector needs more reforms and investments so that the segment really comes to the expectations of the public utilising the transport services. Since the government is showing keen interest in this sector the authorities should focus on early completion and operationalization of key infrastructure projects.
The implementing agencies need to ensure mission-mode execution and time-bound completion of projects so as to improve public service delivery and efficiency. Besides, the authorities also need to prepare a comprehensive action plan to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents.
One such measure that can be implemented without any delay is the enforcement measures such as the cancellation of driving licences and Registration Certificates (RCs) and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders.
Transport sector is developing across the globe and many developing nations are finding it quite challenging to overcome the deficiencies that they are facing in the sector.
However, Jammu and Kashmir is not faced with any such eventuality as the centre has been generous enough to provide funds to modernise the sector with the introduction of e-buses and other less polluting mode of transportation.
The government is investing in sustainable transportation options like electric buses and modernizing existing fleets besides, creating pedestrian-friendly and cycling infrastructure to promote active transportation.
To further boost the sector the government should also stress on implementing smart transportation systems, including real-time tracking and AI-powered traffic management.
This will ensure safety measures and also check the delay in travel time especially during peak morning and evening hours. A comprehensive plan should be put in place to leverage data analytics to optimize routes, reduce congestion and improve service delivery.
This will ensure peoples trust on the public transport system which will encourage them to shun the use of individual vehicles and stress on using the public transport for travel.
What we are witnessing over the past few days is that some sections associated with transport sector have been resisting this change. Though they have no justification for such a rhyme, but the authorities need to ignore such pleas. Right now focus needs to be on public good rather than satisfying greed of some sections.
