Srinagar- The stage is all set for the roll-out of mobile app based taxis Ola and Uber on the roads across the parts of Union Territory.
An official from the transport commissioner’s office told Kashmir Observer on Monday that all the requisite formalities have been cleared for the companies to start their operations in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar.
He further said that the clearance has been given with an aim to strengthen the public transport system in the UT.
Ola and Uber is India’s largest mobility platform and one of the world’s largest ride-hailing companies, serving 250+ cities across India, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
It may be pertinent to mention that the J&K government has notified Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2023 as per the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020 issued by the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988) read with Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020 issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways, Government of India on 27.11.2020 and all other enabling provisions in this behalf, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby publish the draft Jammu and Kashmir Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2023, as required by sub-section (1) of section 212 of the said Act,” reads the notification, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Observer.
Now, after considering the objections and suggestions received from the public/stakeholders, the Transport Department has notified J&K Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2023 and the same are applicable with immediate effect.
“These rules are applicable to aggregators on-boarding transport vehicles in the area of operation and the vehicles that may be integrated by the aggregator shall include all motor vehicles under the Act and e-rickshaw”, the notification said, adding “no person shall act or permit any other person to act as aggregator unless he holds an effective license issued under these rules”.
The radio taxis need to have a 24×7 call centre as well as a GPS that can track the cabs and even alert the system in case someone tries to tamper with it or turn it off.
Only those drivers who have transport badges issued by the transport department after a mandatory police verification can be hired.
In addition, radio cab services own the cabs that they operate and these are pre-conditions for an operating license. But that is not the case with other services like Uber.
The move has been hailed by the public, who would often complaint about the non-availability of public transport especially during the evening hours. Notably, the mini buses in Srinagar city remain overcrowded and most of the people struggle to find a seat.
“This will surely ease our travel and the services of Ola and Uber are affordable too,” said Danish Ahamd, a resident of Dalgate.
He further said the new cab service can create new job opportunities for unemployed youth, who could wish to register as a driver.
J&K Motor Vehicles Aggregator Rules, 2023 also specify the requirements for drivers to register with a cab aggregator. The drivers must have a valid driving license, at least 2-year driving experience and a police verification certificate.
The vehicles must be in good condition and must meet all applicable safety standards. The aggregators would charge drivers a small fee to register with them and to use their app.
Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, told Kashmir Observer that as of now no one has qualified for the service and they are still looking for the players to apply.
He further said that the players need to apply for a license before the transport commissioner of J&K.
“As of my knowledge few people have applied for a license but they don’t qualify for it. So no license has been issued in this regard,” he added.
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