Timely Services, Strict Enforcement and Safer Roads Must Be Ensured: Transport Commissioner in Rajouri

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Vishesh Paul Mahajan reviews VAHAN, SARATHI services, accident-prone spots and enforcement measures in twin districts

SHAFQAT RAMZAN WANI 

RAJOURI, OCT, 06: Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan on Monday reviewed the functioning of the Motor Vehicle Department in Rajouri and Poonch, directing officials to ensure prompt public services, effective enforcement and sustained efforts to improve road safety across the twin border districts.

Chairing a joint review meeting of departmental functionaries from both districts, the Transport Commissioner took detailed stock of online services being provided through the VAHAN and SARATHI portals, particularly the status of pending applications and their disposal.

Mahajan stressed that transport-related services should be delivered in a transparent and time-bound manner, directing officials to ensure that applicants do not face unnecessary delays or inconvenience.

The meeting also focused extensively on the road safety situation in Rajouri and Poonch. The Transport Commissioner reviewed accident patterns and the measures being undertaken to prevent mishaps, besides assessing road-safety awareness programmes organised in educational institutions.

He called for sustained awareness campaigns targeting students and young drivers, with emphasis on responsible driving, adherence to traffic rules and safe road-user behaviour.

As part of the road-safety review, Mahajan inspected identified accident-prone black spots along the National Highway and Mughal Road and assessed the corrective measures being undertaken at these locations. He directed the concerned agencies to maintain regular monitoring and ensure coordinated action for reducing the risk of accidents.

The Transport Commissioner also directed the departmental officers to identify vehicle showrooms functioning without valid Trade Certificates/licences and initiate action as per the applicable rules. He made it clear that establishments found violating prescribed requirements should face strict enforcement.

The ARTOs of Rajouri and Poonch were further instructed to conduct joint enforcement drives along the National Highway, with particular focus on violations that directly compromise road safety.

ARTO Rajouri Ashiq Rafiq Malik, ARTO Poonch Nawaz Sharif, Motor Vehicle Inspectors and other officials of the Transport Department participated in the meeting.

The directions assume significance for the border districts, where effective enforcement, safer road infrastructure and timely transport services remain important for protecting commuters and ensuring hassle-free public service delivery.