More than 1,000 new buses in new colours will soon be plying on the roads in the State. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) will have 1,000 buses, including high-end Garuda and Indra Volvos, in two-three months.
A decision to this effect was taken by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao at a review meeting with Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy, Transport Commissioner Jagadish and others here Thursday. Later, it was announced that `150 crore will be given to the RTC – this is in addition to the already announced `250 crore as Dasara bonanza.
“With today’s announcement, the total funds allotted to the RTC is `400 crore. Further, a decision was also taken to purchase another 650 new buses taking the total number to 1,000,” an official release said.
Nearly 400 new buses will ply in rural areas while another 100 will be express buses.
It was also decided to purchase 50 Indra and Garuda service buses. “The RTC has a provision to have 25 per cent private buses and 100 buses will be taken under this provision,” the release said.
Apart from the 1,000 new buses, another 1,000 buses will be purchased after March. Meanwhile, the CM has also responded positively to the proposal to give VAT exemption to hired buses and also to regularise services of conductors and drivers who are presently engaged on temporary basis.
Stating that the government will take all steps to run the RTC in profits, the CM said stern action will be taken against unauthorised plying of private vehicles. Reviewing the RTC city region, the CM said there are 4,000 buses running in the city and for effective functioning, an executive director and two regional manager posts will be given.
Source: The New Indian Express