Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Calls for Timely Completion of IDTR, ICC, and Inland Waterways Projects
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to evaluate its overall functioning, modernization initiatives, and road safety measures across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Transport Department Avny Lavasa; Transport Commissioner; Managing Director, J&K RTC; Director, Motor Garages; RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu; and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed the early completion and operationalization of key infrastructure projects, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), Jammu, and the Inspection & Certification Centre (ICC), Samba, describing them as crucial for modernizing transport services in the Union Territory. He directed all implementing agencies to ensure mission-mode execution and time-bound completion to enhance public service delivery and efficiency.
Highlighting road safety as a top priority, he called for a comprehensive plan to reduce traffic violations and accidents. He reviewed enforcement measures, including the cancellation of driving licences and RCs and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders. He also examined road accident data, fatalities, relief provided under the Road Safety Fund, and the pace of driving licence issuance, including clearance of pending backlogs.
Secretary Avny Lavasa presented a detailed overview of departmental initiatives and strategic reforms. Updates included:
IDTR, Jammu: Academic, hostel, and workshop blocks, along with six advanced driving tracks, are complete. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has installed automation equipment, and driving licence trials began on January 14, 2025. Full completion is expected by October 30, 2025.
ICC, Samba: Civil and electrical works are finished; the ICAD inspection report is expected by October 15, 2025. MoRTH is tendering for a two-year operator appointment.
Automated Testing Stations (ATS): Two ATS projects via J&K RTC are slated to start by October 15; one private ATS awaits official notification.
Electronic Enforcement Devices: A DPR has identified 92 highway locations for device installation; IT Department vetting is expected by October 15, with tenders by November 10.
Vehicle Scrapping Policy: The draft Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility Policy is near finalization. The ₹10 crore incentive fund will enable scrapping of ~3,500 government vehicles, potentially generating ₹170 crore in incentives.
Inland Waterways (NW-49), River Jhelum: Work on seven floating concrete jetties begins by October 15; navigational aids and onshore development by October 31, with overall completion by December 2025. A PPP model for a 20-passenger hybrid electric cruise/boat is planned to promote sustainable mobility and tourism.
SRTC Modernization: Fleet expansion and service upgrades are expected to raise gross revenue from ₹114 crore (2021–24) to an estimated ₹240 crore for FY 2024–25. Digitization initiatives covering online ticketing, route/schedule management, and real-time fuel monitoring are ongoing, with tenders to be finalized by October 12, 2025.
Driving Licence Issuance: The department has dispatched 1,07,627 licences from 1,28,715 new applications and 1,21,672 licences from 1,51,103 backlog applications.
Concluding the review, the Chief Secretary reiterated that these projects are central to the government’s vision of a modern, safe, efficient, and technology-driven transport ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at improving mobility, public convenience, and road safety.
