Srinagar, Apr 29 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a significant revision in public transport fares, announcing an 18 percent hike across multiple categories of commercial passenger vehicles in the Union Territory.
According to a notification issued by the Transport Department, as per news agency JKNS, the Transport Commissioner, J&K has been directed to fix the revised maximum chargeable fares in accordance with the approved hike, which will be applicable over and above the rates notified earlier under SRO-97 dated March 19, 2021.
The revised fare structure will cover a wide range of commercial passenger vehicles, including big buses, medium and mini buses operating as stage carriages, as well as various categories of taxis and maxi cabs. These include base model contract carriage vehicles such as Sumo, Bolero, Tata Indica, Swift, Tata Winger and Tempo Traveller, along with medium segment tourist vehicles like Scorpio and Xylo, and premium class vehicles including Innova and Fortuner.
In addition, the 18 percent fare hike will also apply to petrol-driven auto-rickshaws and Tata Magic vehicles operating as stage carriages, thereby impacting daily commuters across both urban and rural areas.
Meanwhile, the government has separately notified fare rates for electric vehicles operating in the Union Territory. As per the order, e-rickshaws will charge ₹15 per kilometre, while e-autos will charge ₹25 for the first kilometre and ₹20 for each subsequent kilometre.
The notification has been issued under the provisions of Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, partially modifying the earlier fare notification. Officials said the move is aimed at rationalising transport fares in view of prevailing operational costs and ensuring sustainability of public transport services.
The order has been issued by Secretary to Government, Transport Department, Dr. Piyush Singla (IAS), and necessary directions have been passed to ensure its implementation across the Union Territory.
Authorities have advised commuters and transport operators to adhere to the revised fare structure once formally implemented by the Transport Commissioner. (JKNS)
