In light of the ongoing dispute between the transport unions of Kargil and Leh district, Saugat Biswas, Chairperson, State Transport Authority, Ladakh clarified that under the Motor Vehicle Act,  Transport Authority decides the routes or areas for which Contract Carriage Permits are issued to an applicant.

On October 3 a  press conference was held in which, Saugat Biswas informed that due care has been taken to maximize the benefits for every such applicant for a Contract Carriage Permit be it from Leh or Kargil district. The vehicles will be issued permits for plying in the territory of the district in which they are registered as well as the National Highways of Ladakh. In addition, they will also ply the tourist spots in the vicinity of NH-1D.

For plying in the inner routes of Ladakh, all contract carriage permit holders will be eligible for a Temporary Permit which may be issued by the concerned ARTOs on the basis of a demand for vehicles. Biswas further informed that the MoU for reciprocal movement of vehicles between J&K and Ladakh will continue.

It was also informed that the Transport Department will regularly review the implementation of the permit system and if required modifications will be made to further improve upon the system after a defined period.

Earlier, Regional Transport Officer UT Ladakh, Regional Transport Authorities of Ladakh, and Commissioner/Secretary Transport Ladakh held a series of meetings with the Taxi/ Tempo Unions and other transport associations of both the districts; however, the associations could not reach any mutually agreeable solution on the issue. 

The State Transport Authority of Ladakh on October 3 decided on the areas/route(s) to be allowed for the Contract Carriage Permits for vehicles registered in both the districts of Ladakh.