Srinagar, June 17: The Government today decided to constitute an Urban Metro Transport Authority to be headed by the Chief Secretary, for efficient and scientific management of traffic under the new transport policy. A comprehensive and integrated proposal for this purpose will shortly be submitted to the cabinet for approval.
 The decision was taken at a meeting held here under the chairmanship of the Minister for Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon.
 Taking cognizance of the series of reports published in Greater Kashmir on traffic mismanagement, the government has taken many measures for its streamlining in J&K.
 The meeting decided to submit city Transport Plan to the Government of India within a week for necessary approval so that initiatives would be taken. 
 The meeting while discussing the broad contours of the new transport policy decided to establish two Hi-Tech Driving Institutes, one each at Srinagar and Jammu where desirous un-employed youth would be given proper driving training to produce trained drivers. The driving institutes, to be funded by the centre, shall spread over 100 kanals of land, with all the modern facilities. After completion of the training course, the trainees would get authentic driving licenses to enable them get employment in the job market.
 The meeting decided to constitute a committee comprising Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Vice- Chairmen of Jammu and Srinagar Development Authorities and Deputy Transport Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to complete land acquisition process for these institutes within a month.
 The meeting also discussed measures for construction of more parking places in the twin cities. It was informed that multi tier parking complex is proposed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode at General Bus Stand Jammu spread over an area of 52 kanals.
 A similar proposal for multi tier parking slot is also proposed near old KMD Adda, Srinagar under Asian Development Bank. In addition, idle parking slots would also be created in the twin cities to ease traffic congestions.
 Installation of traffic signals in Srinagar and Jammu cities also came up under discussion. IGP Traffic informed that a private company had offered to install the system on BOOT basis and action on it would be taken within six months.
 To avoid accidents the authorities of R&B, BRO and Beacon were asked to initiate quick action for installing sign boards at curves, speed breakers, zebra crossings, up and down slopes on various roads.
 Akhoon asked the authorities to complete necessary recommendation for new transport policy so that its implementation could be done at an earliest. He asked the transport authorities to provide route permits Doda, Poonch and Rajouri. He said State Road Transport Corporation was being revived at the pattern of Hyderabad and Himachal Pradesh States.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST