The Minister of State for Transport, Revenue, Public Works Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Sunil Kumar Sharma today flagged off two State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses to provide services to commuters from Jammu to Selwah and Kasballari in Mendhar of Poonch District.Member Legislative Assembly, Mendhar, Javed Rana and Managing Director SRTC, G S Sofi, were also present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that with the start of this SRTC service, which was a long pending demand of the trading community and general commuters, has been fulfilled. He said this service is aimed at improving intra-state connectivity by making available affordable transport facility to the people.The Minister said that the government is committed to provide cost effective and reasonable transport facility to all remote areas of the state so that the commuters easily avail the benefits provided by the state government. He further said that all possible efforts are being made to rationalize the passenger fare of every mode of public transport to check malpractices and monopoly.
The Minister said efforts are being made to make JKSRTC profitable and strengthen its fleet as well as the functioning of the corporation. He further maintained that the Department has a clear vision of providing quality service in the area of transport to the citizens of all the geographical locations at a reasonable and affordable cost.Sunil Sharma also informed that the corporation’s fleet would soon add around 200 fully air conditioned buses and provide luxury service at very affordable fare so that people of every section can avail its benefits.Responding to various demands projected by the employees of the SRTC, the Minister assured that he will discuss the matter with the concerned authorities and explore reasonable solution to their issues.While speaking on the occasion, MLA Mendhar expressed his gratitude to the Transport Minister for meeting long pending demand of the people belonging to the remote areas.Among others who were present on the occasion included employees of JKSRTC, passengers and other officers of Transport Department.