Transport Bodies Raise Concerns Over Proposed Operations of App-Based Taxi Services at Jammu, Srinagar Airports
Srinagar, June 18, KNT: Transport bodies across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday demanded a comprehensive security and regulatory audit before permitting any app-based cab aggregator to commence operations at Srinagar and Jammu airports.
Addressing a joint press conference in Srinagar, representatives of the Jammu Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association (JKTWA), airport taxi unions and transport federations expressed concern over reports regarding the proposed entry of NOVA Cabs at the two airports.
JKTWA Chief Patron Devinder Choudhary said the transport fraternity was not opposed to technology-driven transport services but maintained that airport operations required rigorous scrutiny owing to the sensitive nature of airport infrastructure.
He said any aggregator seeking permission to operate from airport premises must first satisfy all statutory requirements relating to driver verification, vehicle documentation, insurance coverage and compliance with applicable licensing and aggregator regulations.
President of the Srinagar International Airport Taxi Association, Mohammad Ashraf Lone, said hundreds of families dependent on airport taxi services could face uncertainty if decisions affecting the existing transport ecosystem are taken without adequate consultation.
He urged authorities to avoid any perfunctory assessment of the issue and ensure that all stakeholders are heard before a final decision is taken.
Speaking on the occasion, Jammu Airport Taxi Union President S. Gurdeep Singh said the matter warranted uniform examination by the Transport Department, Police, CID and Airports Authority of India, emphasizing that security considerations must remain paramount.
The transport leaders welcomed recent enforcement measures undertaken by the Transport Department and urged the administration to apply identical standards while examining proposals relating to airport cab aggregators.
Warning against any regulatory obfuscation, the association appealed to the government, Transport Commissioner and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to address their concerns. They cautioned that if issues relating to security, compliance and livelihood protection remain unresolved, transporters across Jammu and Kashmir may consider democratic and lawful forms of protest. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
