JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved an 18 per cent increase in passenger transport fares across the Union Territory following detailed deliberations by the Fare Revision Committee (FRC), which met under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
The high-level meeting was convened to examine the long-pending demand for revision of passenger fares in view of rising operational costs faced by transporters. During the deliberations, representatives of various transporters’ associations submitted a proposal seeking a 40 per cent fare hike, citing a sharp increase in fuel prices, spare parts, maintenance costs, taxes and other operational expenses.
The Committee undertook a comprehensive cost analysis and held detailed discussions on multiple factors impacting the transport sector. While acknowledging the genuine concerns of transport operators, the Committee also carefully assessed the socio-economic impact of fare revision on commuters, particularly the common man.
After extensive deliberations and consensus among all stakeholders, it was unanimously decided to implement an 18 per cent increase in passenger fares across all categories of passenger vehicles operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The revised fares will come into effect from January 1, 2026.
The decision aims to strike a balance between ensuring the financial sustainability of the transport sector and protecting the interests of the general public, officials said.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa; Acting Transport Commissioner J&K Anju Gupta; Managing Director JKRTC Abdul Rashid War; representatives from Headquarters Northern Command (C/o 56 APO); Regional Transport Officers of Jammu and Kashmir divisions; Additional Secretary GAD, and members of the Fare Revision Committee, including representatives of various transporters’ associations from across the Union Territory.
