CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson convened a meeting at the Council Secretariat on April 19 to discuss key transport-related issues, particularly those concerning SIDCO, local unions, and the overall management of public transport services in Leh.

The meeting was held in the presence of Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Administrative Secretary, SIDCO UT Ladakh, Bhupesh Chaudhary; and GM SIDCO/ADDC, Sonam Norboo.

Discussions focused on improving the permit issuance system, enhancing the efficiency of local and SIDCO bus operations, and addressing traffic congestion in critical areas of Leh town. A major decision included the introduction of a lottery-based system for issuing permits to Mazda vehicles, to ensure greater transparency.

It was also decided that all SIDCO and Mazda Union buses will operate from the Leh New Bus Stand. This move aims to decongest the busy Leh Main Gate area, which frequently experiences traffic disruptions due to vehicle halts.

Other pressing issues discussed included parking challenges at Bombgarh, where a significant number of trucks are currently stationed, contributing to congestion.

The meeting also emphasized the need to regulate the issuance of new permits and adopt a structured framework for better transport management. Progress on the Vehicle Scrapping Policy and Electric Vehicle Policy was reviewed.

The Secretary of the Transport Department assured that necessary orders and guidelines would be issued soon. Additionally, a proposal to install GPS tracking systems in all commercial vehicles received strong support. Officials informed that an agency is being empanelled for implementation, which will begin shortly.

The meeting concluded with CEC Gyalson stressing the importance of coordinated departmental efforts and timely execution to improve public transport services and ensure smoother traffic flow across the region.