Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan today directed Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir to start intense drive immediately in collaboration with Traffic department to stop overloading in public transport.The Divisional Commissioner made this direction during a meeting with various stakeholders to review the steps taken to streamline the traffic.On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner said that various initiatives were taken to streamline the traffic which are bearing fruits. He directed officials to continue the drive for curbing of overloading, wearing proper uniform by drivers, timing of buses, regular route checking by all ARTOs, separate seats for ladies’ passengers, wearing of helmet, student concessions and other steps.The Div Com said that every passenger bus will ply according to a timetable set by RTO Kashmir in consultation with Traffic Department. All ARTOs, traffic police and SHOs will strictly check and take action in case of any violation.Khan said that passenger buses will need to display fare list and the driver and conductor should wear proper uniform. He directed the passenger buses to stop immediately if any male person occupies a seat meant for women and refuses to vacate it.
Div Com also banned any kind of music in the buses immediately. The Div Com also gave strict directions with regard to eradicating overloading and plying of school buses for ferrying passengers.To yield better results in the city and in all other districts, he directed the Traffic Police and ARTOs to work in tandem to curb traffic violations and implement the directions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir in letter and spirit.The Transporter unions raised various concerns in the meeting and the Divisional Commissioner gave directions for their immediate redressal.The Divisional Commissioner directed Urban Local Bodies officers to remove all unnecessary check-posts (chungis) on rural roads to help the transporters.The meeting was attended by IG Traffic Basant Rath, SP Traffic Rural, RTO Kashmir, Assistant Commissioner, all ARTOs, representatives of various transport unions and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.