ARTO Doda Cracks Down on Traffic Violators Following Transport Commissioner’s Directions

Danishwar Hameed 

Doda, July 19: In a major step towards enforcing traffic discipline and ensuring road safety, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kishtwar, Abrar Ahmed Kripak (JKAS), launched an extensive enforcement drive in Doda district. The operation was conducted on the directions of Secretary Transport, Sh. Naveen SL (IAS), and under the overall supervision of Transport Commissioner J&K, Sh. Vishesh Paul Mahajan (JKAS).

The crackdown was carried out across multiple locations including Ganpat, Shiva, Fixo, Thathri, Kahara, and Gondoh Bhalessa. During the drive, the ARTO and his team took strict action against a range of traffic violations. Fourteen vehicles were seized for serious offences, while eleven were blacklisted. The route permits of eleven vehicles were suspended and thirty-seven driving licenses were suspended on the spot due to repeated and reckless driving behaviour. Additionally, ninety-two vehicles were e-challaned, generating a total fine of ₹3.10 lakh.

The enforcement team found violations such as overloading, operating without valid route permits, non-functional Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs), lack of essential documents, and other unsafe driving practices. The Motor Vehicle Department Doda reiterated its commitment to road safety and announced that similar drives will continue in different parts of the district to deter traffic violations and protect the lives of commuters, especially those using public transport.

ARTO Abrar Ahmed Kripak, while addressing the media, emphasized the need for a collective change in mindset towards road safety. He said that road safety is not merely a transport department issue but a broader societal concern. He appealed to all stakeholders, including drivers, passengers, and transport operators, to adopt responsible behavior and comply with traffic laws.

The department has urged the public to extend their cooperation and play an active role in ensuring safer roads, stressing that stringent action will continue against violators in the interest of public safety.