Srinagar, April 30 -- Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved 18% increase in fares for various categories of public transport vehicles across the Union Territory, revising rates for the first time since 2021, while JK Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, has criticised the government for the move, accusing that the burden of its economic policies on the working class.

The Transport Department issued a notification saying the Transport Commissioner, J&K, has been directed to fix revised maximum chargeable fares for commercial passenger vehicles by adding an 18 per cent hike over the rates notified under SRO-97 dated March 19, 2021.

The revised fare structure shall apply to big buses, medium and mini buses operati...