No question of reducing bus fare: KSRTC MD

The newly appointed Managing Director of KSRTC Rajendra Kumar Kataria has instructed the KSRTC officials and staff to work with sincerity and honesty failing which he warned them to pack their bags.

He was speaking at a meeting of the KSRTC Chikmagalur division officials, after assuming charge as the MD, at Chikmagalur on Sunday. Kataria has been touring across the State and holding meetings with KSRTC divisional officers in an attempt to revamp the government road transport system. He called upon the staff to work efficiently and help the KSRTC which is running under loss, to move in upward direction.

Later speaking to reporters, he said that all the officials should join their hands to solve the problems faced by KSRTC. At least, they should work with honesty for the salary they take home. If at all they fail to work efficiently, let them be ready to pack their bags and go home, he warned.

Though he said that the KSRTC is running under loss in the country, he refused to elaborate on the loss amount. “We have decided to prevent the leakage and make KSRTC earn profit by taking various welfare measures. I have started touring across the State from the moment I took charge as the MD. I will make a study on misappropriation and problems in KSRTC,” Kataria said.

The MD also emphasised on providing better facilities to people in KSRTC. People too should give suggestions for improvements. Complaints can be brought to the notice through telephone or e-mail and help to solve the problems. KSRTC has been facing shortage of staff and new recruitments have not been made due to the loss. Therefore, steps will be taken to make new appointments by avoiding financial burden on the government, he said.

He noted that few buses were plying unnecessarily despite the absence of passengers on a few routes. This is the main reason for unnecessary leakage. A new bus time table will be framed which will be helpful for the people as well as will not be burden to the KSRTC. Time management too will be given importance.

As many as 810 buses are old and are ready to stop the service, which should be replaced by new buses. However, compared to all other states, transport system is far better in Karnataka, the MD observed.

To a query on reducing the ticket fare due to the cut down in diesel price, he said there was no question of reducing the price. The KSRTC had submitted a proposal to hike the ticket fare by 15 per cent, but the government has hiked only eight per cent.

When asked about shifting Chikmagalur bus stand which is in a congested space, he said that the department would shift if the district administration or the CMC gives land free of cost.