Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 05 : Confusion over passenger fare revisions in Jammu and Kashmir continues, with commuters reporting higher fares even as the government maintains that “no official order” has been issued.
Last week, it was stated that an 18 per cent hike in passenger fares had been “approved” following deliberations by the Fare Revision Committee (FRC), chaired by Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya, with rates reportedly set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
However, no formal notification has been issued so far, leaving both transporters and passengers in a state of uncertainty.
While some commuters report paying more on Srinagar and south Kashmir routes, transporters from the Kashmir valley say they have not yet implemented the hike officially.
“Meetings with the Jammu wing are scheduled for the next two days to decide the next steps, as we are approaching the government and Transport Minister,” a senior transporter told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The transporters said they had planned to implement the hike earlier, but due to holidays last week, meetings could not take place. They added that discussions are now expected in the coming days.
“I used to pay Rs 25 from Brein Nishat to Lal Chowk; now they’re charging Rs 30. Only issuing statements won’t help. If the government is serious, it should issue a clear order,” said Firdous Nazir, a commuter previously quoted by KNO.
Today, during a follow-up conversation, Firdous maintained his stance and confirmed paying the increased fare.
Meanwhile, speaking to a TV channel, MLA Zadibal and National Conference (NC) Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said, “We have a proposal, but no order has come. If someone is charging money without an official order, they are in the wrong. There are genuine demands from transporters, but the proposal with the Finance Department is still under consideration.”
He added, “Any decision will balance the interests of the general public and transporters. As of today, no hike has taken place, nor has any order been issued. I hope RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu will clarify this further to remove confusion.”
With contradictory statements and on-ground fare increases by some operators, commuters remain unsure of the actual rates, while transporters await official direction.
A senior transport official summed up the frustration: “Until a clear order is issued, both consumers and operators are left in the dark.”—(KNO)
