Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical diversity makes transport planning particularly complex. The requirements of Srinagar and Jammu cannot always be applied identically to remote mountainous and rural areas, where public transport options may already be limited.
The administration must ensure that the retirement of older vehicles does not create transport shortages or leave communities without affordable connectivity. Route-wise assessments, phased replacement and adequate availability of alternative vehicles should form part of the implementation strategy.
At the same time, transport operators must recognise their responsibility towards passenger safety. Regular maintenance, compliance with fitness requirements and timely replacement of genuinely unsafe vehicles cannot be compromised.
The government’s responsibility lies in ensuring that enforcement is consistent, transparent and free from arbitrary practices. Fitness testing must be conducted through accountable mechanisms, with clear communication of requirements and accessible grievance-redressal systems.
Road safety and economic security should not be treated as competing objectives. A well-designed transport policy can pursue both by removing unsafe vehicles, supporting responsible operators and protecting the travelling public from unnecessary disruption.
The 25-year directive should therefore be accompanied by a practical transition plan. The success of the policy will ultimately be measured not only by the number of ageing vehicles removed from the roads, but also by whether Jammu and Kashmir’s transport system becomes safer, more reliable and economically sustainable for both operators and passengers.
