Over the past seven years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp rise in vehicular traffic, with registered vehicles nearly doubling from 14.88 lakh in 2017 to 27.29 lakh by December 2024. The spike in vehicle ownership has placed immense pressure on existing transport systems. Roadsides and footpaths, often occupied by vendors and shopkeepers displaying goods, leave little space for pedestrians, forcing them onto streets and worsening traffic flow. Compounding the issue is the absence of designated bus stops, with buses, shared autos, and auto-rickshaws stopping indiscriminately to pick up passengers. Existing roads, designed for far fewer vehicles, now buckle under the strain of escalating traffic, leading to chronic congestion, safety risks and environmental harm. These factors, combined with a growing fleet of private and commercial vehicles, have made traffic jams a routine ordeal for commuters. Financially, the Motor Vehicles Department has seen fluctuating revenues, collecting Rs 697.84 crore in 2024–25 (up to December) against a target of Rs 1,430 crore. This contrasts with the previous year’s performance, where Rs 925.32 crore was collected, exceeding the Rs 915 crore target. The revenue streams, derived from registrations, licences, permits, and fines, reflect both administrative efficiency and the challenges of managing rapid motorisation. Data from 2024–25 highlights the scale: 1.33 lakh new vehicles registered, over 71,000 driving licences issued, and thousands of fitness certificates and route permits processed. Recognising the urgency of these challenges, authorities have initiated measures to balance growth with sustainability. Road safety and traffic management have become priorities, with stricter enforcement of driver training protocols and vehicle fitness standards. Technological interventions like the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) aim to streamline monitoring and automate penalties through e-challans. Infrastructure upgrades include Inspection and Certification Centres for vehicle checks and the Institute of Drivers Training and Research in Jammu to enhance driving standards. Efforts to promote greener alternatives include the introduction of 200 electric buses, with plans for 200 more under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, alongside a Public Bicycle Sharing system recording 4.77 crore rides by March 2024. However, exclusive bicycle tracks need to be created for commuting to make this plan successful and popular among the public. Moving forward, the administration intends to enhance subsidies for public transport, upgrade regional transport offices, and explore collaborations with private entities to improve services. These initiatives aim to tackle both congestion and worsening air pollution, especially in cities facing deteriorating air quality. While the increasing number of vehicles reflects economic progress, it also necessitates innovative strategies to maintain road safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The future of Jammu and Kashmir’s transport system depends on balancing growth with strategic urban planning, ensuring progress benefits everyone without diminishing quality of life. While initiatives like electric buses and cycling schemes have been introduced, they cannot offset systemic deficiencies without foundational upgrades. Wider roads, organised pedestrian pathways, efficient public transit hubs and integrated traffic management systems are essential to decongest urban arteries, reduce accidents and curb emissions.
Traffic Overload
