Augmenting public transport
The issue of polluting vehicles has been dominating the public discourse for some time now. Though Jammu and Kashmir has seen huge strides in the transport sector, our efforts to create a world class public transport system need to be taken up with more urgency.
Transport sector in the UT has witnessed immense growth over the past five years. Not only have the authorities been stressing on introducing pollution free vehicles but comfort and passenger safety 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, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), Jammu, and the Inspection and Certification Centre (ICC), Samba as these key projects are vital in modernizing transport services in the region.
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.
The transport sector should also be made more transparent by promoting digital payments and ticketing systems for seamless travel experiences. This also will ensure that the sector will continue its growth and become sustainable.
