Secretary Transport Department Reviews Progress of Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu
Avny Lavasa directs expeditious completion of pending works; emphasizes quality, coordination and road safety outcomes
||Black and White Digital News ||
||October 17,2025||
Jammu : Avny Lavasa, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Transport Department, Jammu and Kashmir, conducted an extensive review of the ongoing works at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR), Kot Bhalwal, Jammu. The visit formed part of the Department’s sustained efforts to upgrade and expand critical road transport infrastructure and skill development facilities across the Union Territory.
Comprehensive Review of Project Progress:
During the inspection, the Secretary was accompanied by a high-level team comprising Sh. Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, Transport Commissioner, J&K; Smt. Anju Gupta, JKAS, Additional Transport Commissioner; Sh. Rajeshwar Singh Charak, JKAS, Additional Secretary, Transport Department; S. Jasmeet Singh, JKAS, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Jammu; Superintendent Engineer PW(R&B) Jammu; and Executive Engineers and Assistant Engineers from the PWD and Mechanical wings.
At the outset, the Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, presented a detailed project briefing, outlining the structural and functional components of the IDTR. These include the Administrative Block, Hostel Block, various driving test tracks, and advanced training facilities such as driving simulators, laboratories, and classrooms designed to impart professional driver education and research.
Focus on Timely Completion and Quality Standards:
While assessing the site, Avny Lavasa took stock of the pace of civil, mechanical, and electrical works. She examined the readiness of core facilities and expressed concern over the slow progress in certain components.
The Secretary issued firm directions to the concerned Executive Engineers and project teams to ensure the completion of all pending works within 15 days, stressing strict adherence to prescribed quality standards and timelines. She emphasized that the Administrative Block, Hostel Block, and all driving tracks must be operationalized without further delay.
Commitment to Road Safety and Driver Professionalization:
Highlighting the broader vision behind the IDTR project, the Secretary reiterated the Transport Department’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art driver training ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. She stated that such institutes are crucial to enhancing road safety, minimizing accidents, and developing a pool of well-trained professional drivers.
“The IDTR at Kot Bhalwal will serve as a model center for advanced driver training, testing, and research. It will play a pivotal role in promoting safe driving practices and raising the professional standards of the transport sector in J&K,” she said.
Collaborative Approach for Efficient Implementation:
The visit concluded with an on-site meeting among the senior officials, engineers, and project stakeholders to deliberate on improving inter-departmental coordination, streamlining resource management, and ensuring quality control during the final execution phase.
The IDTR at Kot Bhalwal is envisioned as a flagship facility under the Transport Department’s broader initiative to modernize driver training and licensing infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. Once completed, it is expected to significantly contribute to skill development, research in road safety, and reduction of traffic-related incidents in the Union Territory.
