The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced an 18 percent increase in public transport fares, a decision which will be seen implemented with effect from January 1, 2026.Jammu and Kashmir tourism
The decision was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, Santosh D. Vaidhya. The meeting of the Fare Revision Committee (FRC) was held on Wednesday at Civil Secretariat here to deliberate upon the issue of revision of passenger transport fares across the Union Territory.During the meeting, the representatives of the transporters submitted a proposal seeking a hike of 40% in passenger fares, citing a substantial increase in operational costs.
The Committee held a detailed and threadbare discussion on the matter, taking into account multiple factors such as the sharp rise in the cost of spare parts, fuel-related expenses, taxes, maintenance costs, and other operational inputs. A comprehensive cost analysis exercise was also examined during the deliberations.
During the discussions, the association highlighted a sustained rise in fuel prices, taxes, and operational costs. They pointed out that public transport fares had not been revised for nearly five years despite mounting financial pressure on operators.
While acknowledging the genuine concerns raised by the transporters, the Committee also carefully considered the socio-economic impact of fare revision on the general public, with particular emphasis on ensuring that the common man is not subjected to an undue financial burden.
During the meeting, the representatives of the transporters submitted a proposal seeking a hike of 40% in passenger fares, citing a substantial increase in operational costs.
The decision reflects a balanced approach aimed at safeguarding the sustainability of the transport sector while simultaneously protecting the interests of commuters.The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, Acting Transport Commissioner JK Anju Gupta, Managing Director JKRTC Abdul Rashid War, Additional Secretary General Administration Department Rohit Sharma, Joint Transport Commissioner Vikas Anand, and Regional Transport Officer Jammu Jasmeet Singh. Several officials from the Planning and Development Department were also present. The Regional Transport Officer Kashmir joined the meeting through virtual mode.
Representatives of the All JK Transport Welfare Association, led by its Chairman Karan Singh Wazir, also participated in the meeting. After detailed deliberations, the Principal Secretary Finance agreed to the demand and approved an 18 percent hike in transport fares across the Union Territory.
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