THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC’s plan to press low-floor Volvo buses into interdistrict services from Monday did not materialize following a protest raised by mayor K Chandrika and members of corporation ruling council. Chandrika had an interaction with KSRTC MD K G Mohanlal and the proposed service to Ernakulam was cancelled for the day.
The corporation raised its dissent citing that the buses were allotted under JNNURM scheme and were meant to be operated within the city limits.
“KSRTC should have consulted with the city corporation before taking such a decision. We would not allow the interdistrict services unless they reach a consensus with the civic body,” said Chandrika.
About 20 councillors led by the mayor reached Thampanoor central bus station in the evening and told the KSRTC officials that the Volvo bus could not be operated to Ernakulam. Later the officials held discussion with the mayor and decided to call off the service.
Chandrika said that the low-floor buses designated for city services cannot be given away for other purposes. “We will talk it over with the government. The buses were allotted to the city as per the JNNURM scheme using centrally sponsored funds. It cannot be used for other purposes,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Kochi, mayor Tony Chammany staged a sit-in protest against KSRTC’s decision to use ac low-floor buses for long distance services.
“I have registered the protest of the council before KSRTC officials. We have demanded that all the buses allotted to Kochi should be given back for operating services within city and the urban area,” mayor said.
The Kochi corporation is planning to write to the state government to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to run buses purchased using Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) funds.
“The decision by the KSRTC has subverted the objective of introducing low-floor buses. The aim of the project was to lure more passengers by providing luxury travel, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the road,” said Chammany.
Source: Times Of India