The Transport Department’s recommendation to give away rights to MLAs in the state in taking direct control over KSRTC services operating along MLA routes has met with opposition.
As per the proposal mooted by Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan to save the sinking KSRTC from heavy losses, MLAs can purchase buses for the KSRTC using their own asset funds.
For example, three to five KSRTC buses can be purchased from an asset fund of `1 crore.
The plan was envisaged as the money sanctioned for MLA fund in the state was not being utilised effectively. “Using asset funds for purchasing buses is extremely constructive and does not require much procedure. Today, many projects which were sanctioned using the asset funds have not materialised such as bus terminals and complexes.
For procuring buses, the MLAs need to sanction the funds. The tender procedures will be carried out by the KSRTC,” said officials with the department.
The maintenance and revenue generated from operating these buses will fall into KSRTC treasury. Though most of the MLAs have approved of the suggestion which was brought before the Assembly recently, a few opposed it citing its infeasibility, including the operation and purchase of buses.
Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told ‘Express’ that MLAs themselves should show interest in carrying out the project.
‘Most of the MLAs have supported the project. However, a few of them, for example in the Malabar region, did not support the scheme citing that it was impractical in a private bus sector,” he said.
However supporting the proposal, Joseph Vazhakan MLA said that they would push for an approval of the project.
“Currently, the KSRTC management is hesitant to operate buses along routes specified by us as they cite heavy losses. Since we have a provision, they bend to our demands. However, as the proposal by the Minister can help mitigate the losses by the KSRTC, it will be pressed in the Assembly,” Vazhakan added.
Currently, one of the largest losses generated in the KSRTC is through operating buses along MLA routes.
“Most of the routes specified by the MLAs are not feasible as these would either be very narrow or have less patronage. “Most of these routes generate less than `5 lakh collection per day,” said an official with the KSRTC.
Once the project is approved, it will be forwarded to the KSRTC board.
Hibi Eden MLA said if they receive a government order regarding this, most of the MLAs would readily purchase buses with the funds.
“We would opt to purchase mini buses, which can help in decongesting city roads and make transportation through narrow roads easy,” Hibi added.
Source: New Indian Express
