Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, December 31, 2025:
Demonstrating a firm commitment to road safety, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and citizen-centric service delivery, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) Kishtwar registered remarkable achievements during the year 2025, reflecting a policy of zero tolerance towards violations and maximum outreach in public welfare.
Functioning under the overall supervision and directions of the Transport Commissioner, J&K, Shri Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, and the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Shri Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, the Motor Vehicles Department Kishtwar—under the leadership of ARTO Kishtwar, Shri Tasleem Wani, JKAS—intensified enforcement operations, awareness campaigns, and welfare initiatives across the district.
From January 2025 till the end of the year, the department issued 2,470 e-Challans, imposing fines amounting to ₹1.15 crore. During the same period, 214 vehicles were seized and 498 vehicles were blacklisted for repeated and serious traffic violations, signalling a strict crackdown on errant road users.
As part of deterrent action, 170 Driving Licence disqualification notices were issued, resulting in the disqualification of 112 Driving Licences, including the cancellation of 13 licences. Significantly, 14 licences were disqualified due to involvement in fatal road accidents, as recorded in the Integrated Road Accident Database, while 08 licences were disqualified in NDPS-related cases.
Further enforcement measures included the issuance of 90 Route Permit suspension notices, leading to the suspension of 33 Route Permits, and 25 RC suspension notices, resulting in the suspension of 12 Registration Certificates.
These stringent actions were taken against a wide range of serious offences, including NDPS cases, bovine smuggling, dangerous and drunken driving, overloading, plying of vehicles with non-functional Speed Limiting Devices, overcharging, non-compliance with seat belt and helmet rules, absence of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), plying without valid fitness certificates, route permits or insurance, use of mobile phones while driving, driving without a valid licence, and other violations of traffic laws.
Alongside enforcement, MVD Kishtwar excelled in public service delivery, providing a record 13,352 online services during 2025 through the Vahan and Sarathi platforms, all within the timelines prescribed under the Public Services Guarantee Act. These services included issuance and renewal of driving licences and permits, vehicle registration and re-registration, transfer of ownership, fitness certificates, conductors’ licences, NOCs, and other related services.
On the welfare front, ARTO Kishtwar settled 41 road accident claims, disbursing a total amount of ₹39 lakh among affected families under the Jammu and Kashmir Road Accident Victim Fund. The department also conducted a record 200 Road Safety Public Awareness Camps across the district, aimed at educating both the general public and drivers on safe driving practices.
In addition, 10 Medical-cum-Eye Check-up Camps were organised for drivers, conductors, and transporters. A mega welfare camp for drivers was also held, during which over 200 drivers were enrolled under various government-sponsored life and health insurance schemes, reinforcing the department’s welfare-oriented approach.
Reiterating its resolve, the Motor Vehicles Department Kishtwar stated that enforcement drives, awareness initiatives, and welfare programmes will continue with greater intensity to deter violations and ensure the safety of all road users, particularly passengers relying on public transport.
The ARTO Kishtwar appealed to vehicle owners and drivers to strictly comply with traffic regulations, keep their documents valid, and prioritise road safety in order to avoid stringent penal action and contribute towards safer and more disciplined roads in District Kishtwar.
