Kupwara,May,05: A row has erupted across Kupwara district after transport unions allegedly enforced revised passenger fares without official approval, leaving commuters especially students and daily wage earners distressed.

The controversy follows the government’s Passenger Fare Revision 2026 order issued under S.O. Notification No. 126 and Notification No. 01-P-MVD of 2026 dated April 29, 2026. However, before formal implementation by authorities, several transport associations, particularly in Handwara sub-division, reportedly circulated and began enforcing their own fare charts for different routes.

Passengers claim the sudden hike has led to arbitrary overcharging. Javid Ahmad, a resident of Kulangam, said he had to pay Rs 20 extra for a short journey compared to the previous fare. “There is no official clarity, yet we are being forced to pay more,” he said.

Students from Monabal village in Mawar area expressed serious concern, alleging they are now being charged Rs 15 for a 3-kilometre ride, up from Rs 5 earlier. “We belong to poor families. This increase is unjustified and unaffordable,” they said.

While talking to HEADLINESTODAY, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kupwara has clarified that no additional fare charges are applicable at present. He stated that the revised fares are yet to be officially implemented and that it may take a few days to finalize route-wise rates. Commuters, he said, should continue paying the existing fares until formal notification.

Meanwhile Tehsildar Handwara Vikram Jeet Singh has urged the ARTO office to expedite the process and warned transport unions against issuing or enforcing self-made fare lists. He stressed that only the competent authority can finalize and notify fare structures.

The public, particularly students and daily commuters, has appealed to authorities to conduct ground level verification of route distances with departments like R&B and PMGSY and ensure fair implementation of the revised fare order.

The situation underscores growing concerns over unregulated fare hikes and the need for swift administrative intervention to protect commuters from exploitation.