There is a concerted effort to destroy KSRTC in the Malabar region by the private bus lobby with the support of a few political leaders of the ruling regime, say KSRTC trade union leaders. It was the clout of the coterie that resulted in sanctioning new routes for private buses in various routes where KSRTC had earlier proved to be a big success. The routes include Kasargod- Mangalore and Kozhikode-Kannur.
KSRTC workers’ union (INTUC) state committee member Vijayan Madakkimala told Deccan Chronicle that 18 new permits were allotted to the private sector in the Kozhikode-Kannur route recently where KSRTC ran town to town services every fifteen minutes, violating all norms. “In the Kasargod – Mangalapuram route where KSRTC has been operating successfully for the last many years, 22 new permits were allotted to the private sector”, he said.
A Pradeepkumar MLA told DC that about 30 buses that plied in the Kozhikode-Kannur route earlier were reduced to 20 recently. “Moreover about six services were suspended regularly in the route to make it possible for private buses to reap good profits”, he added. “There is a deliberate attempt to torpedo the functioning of KSRTC which should be defeated by people”, he added.
Trade union leaders also pointed out that the diesel crisis of KSRTC could be easily overcome if common sense was applied. The decision of the centre allowing public sector oil companies to raise diesel prices was a blow to the KSRTC. While KSRTC is purchasing diesel from petroleum companies for `60.48 per litre, private outlets sell diesel for a much lesser price. No wonder it is causing a huge drain in the already sinking KSRTC kitty, he said.
Source: Deccan Chronicle