Transport Commissioner orders time-bound disposal of pending cases, stronger road safety enforcement

• Reviews Motor Vehicles Department’s functioning; directs action on portal pendency, trade certificates, used-vehicle dealers and fare meters

SRINAGAR: Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan today chaired a hybrid review meeting of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), attended by Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) from across the Union Territory.

The meeting reviewed the Department’s overall functioning, with particular focus on pendency on the VAHAN and SARATHI portals, enforcement activities, Trade Certificates, regulation of second-hand vehicle dealers, road safety and other key administrative matters.

Stressing the critical importance of road safety, Mahajan called for concerted and sustained efforts to reduce road accidents and prevent the loss of precious human lives. He directed field officers to intensify enforcement against traffic violations, particularly overloading, overspeeding, wrong-side driving and other unsafe practices. He called for special attention to National Highways and accident-prone stretches, and underscored the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, stronger field-level vigilance and coordinated efforts to promote responsible driving and protect commuters.

On pendency on the VAHAN and SARATHI portals, all RTOs and ARTOs were directed to review pending cases and ensure their time-bound disposal. Regular monitoring was also ordered to prevent avoidable delays in the delivery of citizen-centric services.

The Commissioner instructed field officers to strengthen on-ground inspections and take strict action against traffic violations, particularly on vulnerable road stretches and at accident-prone locations. He also called for a proactive approach to accident prevention and effective implementation of road safety measures.

The meeting reviewed the status of Trade Certificates and the regulation of second-hand vehicle dealers. Officers were directed to expedite prescribed verifications, including CID verification wherever applicable, and ensure compliance with relevant rules and regulations.

Compliance with requirements for the installation and use of fare meters in e-rickshaws and e-carts was also reviewed. The Commissioner directed officers to take appropriate follow-up action in accordance with applicable norms.

In view of Vigilance Awareness Week, Mahajan emphasised integrity, transparency and accountability, and called for strict adherence to established procedures in the discharge of official duties.

Concluding the meeting, he directed all RTOs and ARTOs to ensure effective implementation of the decisions taken, regularly monitor progress and furnish updated status reports wherever required. He reiterated that efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, effective enforcement and road safety must remain the Department’s foremost priorities, with the ultimate objective of preventing road accidents and safeguarding human lives.