Kargil: A delegation from the All Kargil Transport Association met with Chairman, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Tuesday to present key concerns affecting the transport sector in Kargil, UT Ladakh.
The delegation highlighted four major issues requiring urgent administrative attention. The transporters sought attention of the CEC towards the fee system in UT Ladakh, where full fitness fees are charged twice a year—unlike UT Jammu & Kashmir, where nominal renewal charges apply after six months. This places financial strain on operators, especially given Ladakh’s limited transport season.
The transporters further appraised the CEC about the Inter-State Transport Agreement and demanded for removal of vehicle cap.
The current cap of 2,000 vehicles under the 2022 agreement between UT Ladakh and UT J&K is restricting growth. The Association requested the cap be removed or revised to accommodate increased transport activity.
The transporters further demanded for issuance of State Permits Post-Bifurcation. They stated that state permits have only been issued to vehicles registered before 2019.
The delegation urged the administration to extend permits to vehicles registered in UT Ladakh after the bifurcation to ensure equal opportunities for all operators.
The transporters further urged that a region-specific dedicated Ladakh Transport Policy is essential to address Ladakh’s unique geographical and operational challenges. The Association called for its prompt formulation.
CEC, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon assured full support, confirming that a detailed representation has been forwarded to higher authorities.
He has also personally taken up the matter with Transport Secretary Bhupesh Chaudhary and committed to resolving the permit issues, reviewing green tax concerns, and addressing online pollution certification delays.
The transport delegation was led by President, All Transport Truck Union, Mohd Idress, Taxi Operators’ Representative Ghulam Nabi, Vice President, All Kargil Transport Association Mehdi Ali, and President Tata Mobile Operators Association Khadim Hussain.
The meeting concluded with a renewed hope for swift administrative action to support the transport community of Kargil.
