Srinagar : Over the past eight years, the number of vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir has doubled, resulting in increasingly congested and chaotic roads.
According to recent data accessed the region has seen a significant rise in both public and private transport. In 2016, there were 13,65,552 registered vehicles, a number that has surged to 25,67,000 by the end of March 2024—a drastic increase of more than 12 lakh vehicles.
The Motor Vehicles Department has reported substantial revenue growth, achieving Rs 925.12 crore against a target of Rs 915.00 crore during the financial year 2023-24. This period also saw the registration of 1.65 lakh vehicles, alongside the issuance of 11,196 fresh route permits and the renewal of 40,595 existing ones. Additionally, 99,191 fresh driving licenses were issued, with 65,501 licenses renewed. The department also issued 14,963 fresh fitness certificates for commercial vehicles and renewed 93,292 such certificates.
The data highlights a consistent increase in vehicle registrations and related administrative activities over the years.
2020-21: 93,366 commercial and 1,12,468 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,31,644
2021-22: 18,491 commercial and 1,17,686 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,37,177
2022-23: 28,657 commercial and 1,36,298 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,57,792
2023-24: 36,282 commercial and 1,28,095 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,62,378
Revenue targets and achievements also show a positive trend:
2020-21: Achieved Rs 821.15 crore against a target of Rs 900 crore
2021-22: Achieved Rs 628.65 crore against a target of Rs 625 crore
2022-23: Achieved Rs 725.03 crore against a target of Rs 800 crore
2023-24: Achieved Rs 925 crore against a target of Rs 915 crore
In terms of permits and licenses, the department issued:
2020-21: 3,697 fresh permits and 36,364 renewals, totaling 40,061
2021-22: 6,681 fresh permits and 39,311 renewals, totaling 45,992
2022-23: 5,407 fresh permits and 46,496 renewals, totaling 51,903
2023-24: 11,105 fresh permits and 40,595 renewals, totaling 51,791
A senior official of the Road and Transport Department told that the rise in vehicle numbers has put immense pressure on the region’s infrastructure, leading to frequent traffic jams and road safety concerns.
“We are now faced with the challenge of managing this exponential growth while ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transport system,” he said.
The official added, “The roads aren’t wide enough in cities and towns. There are concerns about people’s safety, with road accidents becoming normal. With the sale of new vehicles, the government has to ensure it wouldn’t turn into Frankenstein’s monster out to devour its very own masters.”
