'Old bus stands, depots to be modernised'

Mercedes Benz buses of international standard will be introduced in the State

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, he said old bus stands and depots in all backwards taluks will be modernised. Rest rooms, toilets and other facilities will be provided in bus stands and depots, he added.

Ashok said that the department has sent letter to the Karnataka Public Service Commission to fill 100 vacancies of Brake Inspectors. The problem of staff shortage will be solved once the appointments were made, he added.

DL through colleges

“Initiatives are being taken up to speed up the driving licence distribution through computerisation. The department has a proposal of issuing driving licence to students above 18 years through their institutions. The scheme will be introduced in institutions in Bangalore in the first phase and later it will be started in other districts. Student organisations were demanding the government to distribute driving licence through colleges for the past several years. Students can obtain driving licence without any hassles once the scheme was implemented,” Ashok said.

Ashok said that the KSRTC, which has 22,500 buses, will soon introduce Mercedes Benz buses of international standard in the State. The Corporation has bagged 2 international and 4 national awards besides being honoured with Chief Minister’s Ratna Award. Giving maximum facilities to passengers is the motto of the Corporation, he added.

Talking about the unhealthy competition going on between private bus lobbies and the KSRTC in Kodagu and other districts, Ashok said, “lobbying by private bus owners is not new phenomena in the State. The KSRTC was not in a position to face the challenges of private bus owners lobby earlier. However, now the Corporation is strong enough to compete with private bus lobbies.”

The Corporation was facing difficulties to introduce buses in Mangalore for the past 30 years. However, currently 12 Volvo buses are operating from Mangalore depot, he added.

New dist-in-charge minister?

Transport Minister R Ashok has assured that he will hold discussions with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa with regard to the demand of appointing representative from Kodagu district as the District In-Charge Minister.

Ashok gave the assurance when media persons brought to his notice the fact that Kodagu District In-Charge Minister Renukhacharya had not visited the district even once after assuming the charge.