'KSRTC looking out for other source of income'

When most of the times, the government departments plan things based on the present needs, the transport department is futuristic while building KSRTC bus stands so as to meet the needs for the next 30-40 years, said Home Minister and the Minister for Transport R Ashok.

Speaking after laying foundation stone for the new KSRTC Bus stand in Puttur on Saturday, the minister informed that the KSRTC is looking out for alternative source of income in the form of leasing out part of KSRTC bus stand buildings for commercial purpose. Commenting on the need for the introduction of KSRTC city buses in Mangalore, he said the Transport Department wants a healthy competition to exist between the private and government buses.

“With only the private buses plying in the city, there exists lack of quality service, but the competition between the two can improve the service. It is upto the public to choose in which bus they wish to travel,” he said.

Meanwhile, he informed that Rs 7 crore tender has been called for setting up a bus stand in B C Road, Rs 2 crore tender to upgrade Udupi bus stand and the bus stands will be set up in Uppinangady and Gundia too. The plan to construct new bus stand in Sullia has been stopped due to stay order issued by the High Court, he informed.

The new bus stand in Puttur will be constructed in 3.33 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 7.32 crore.

High-tech policing

Earlier, inaugurating the new building of Vitla police station, R Ashok said, a new intranet system will be introduced in the police department wherein the computers in all the police stations are interconnected containing the information of all the criminals with their photograph, for the easy access.

“The anti-social elements today are using advanced technologies to carry out their work. Therefore there is a need for the police to upgrade themselves with modern equipment and technologies so as to counter attack the enemies. The State government is ready to provide such equipment to the police and strengthen the department,” he assured.

Speaking about naxal menace, he said the government has no intention to harm naxals, but it wishes to bring them to mainstream. “We should develop the naxal affected, interior villages, through which naxalism can be controlled,” he claimed.  The government has reserved Rs 25 crore for upgrading the police stations in the State. The upgradation work of Bellare, Nelyadi and Dharamasthala police outposts will be undertaken soon, he informed.

Puttur MLA Mallika Prasad presided over the function.