GANDERBAL, JUNE 17: Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Mahajan, today visited Sonamarg and Baltal to review the transport preparedness and arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
He was accompanied by RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan; ARTO Ganderbal, Anis Ahmed and other officers of the Transport Department.
During the visit, the Transport Commissioner chaired a meeting of all stakeholders, including officers of the Transport Department, Traffic Police and transport operators and other concerned agencies. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments and discussed measures required to ensure safe, efficient and hassle-free transportation facilities for the pilgrims.
The Transport Commissioner stressed that only roadworthy and fit vehicles should be deployed for Yatra duties and directed the concerned officers to ensure timely inspection and fitness certification of all vehicles proposed to be engaged for the pilgrimage. He emphasized that drivers engaged for the Yatra must possess the requisite driving skills, valid credentials and be well acquainted with the Yatra route, traffic regulations, safety protocols and emergency response measures.
Taking serious note of complaints regarding overcharging by transport operators, the Transport Commissioner directed strict adherence to the notified fare structure and warned that any instance of overcharging would invite stringent action under the relevant provisions of law.
The Transport Commissioner also reviewed the availability of vehicles for the Yatra and directed transport operators to ensure adequate deployment of vehicles to cater to the anticipated demand of pilgrims. He stressed the need for maintaining sufficient reserve capacity to address any surge in passenger traffic during the Yatra period.
As part of the visit, the Transport Commissioner inspected the Motor Vehicles Department Enforcement Post at Sonamarg and reviewed the enforcement and facilitation measures being undertaken by the department. He directed the field officers to maintain effective surveillance and ensure strict compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.
The issue of parking management was also discussed in detail. Directions were issued for earmarking adequate parking slots in consultation with the Traffic Police and other concerned agencies. The Transport Commissioner reviewed the proposed technology-based parking management system and emphasized the effective use of the dedicated mobile application for allocation, monitoring and management of parking slots to ensure orderly movement of vehicles and minimize congestion in the Yatra area.
The Transport Commissioner reiterated that the foremost priority of all agencies associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 is to ensure a safe, comfortable and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for every pilgrim. He emphasized that all stakeholders must work in close coordination to provide reliable transport facilities, effective traffic management, adequate parking arrangements and prompt assistance to pilgrims throughout the Yatra period. He further directed the concerned officers to adopt a proactive approach in addressing issues on the ground so that pilgrims can undertake the sacred journey with convenience, safety and peace of mind.
Senior officers of the Transport Department and representatives of various stakeholder agencies attended the meeting and accompanied the Transport Commissioner during the visit.
