RTC crackdown cripples bus services

Hyderabad: The private bus transport industry is feeling the pinch after stringent action against them by the government following the Volvo bus fire mishap at Palem, Mahbubnagar, in October last.

Government statements show that more than 1,800 private buses have been seized by transport authorities in the last two months, nearly 65 being seized on Sunday alone.

The action by the authorities was prompted following an outcry against erring operators. The managements are alleging that buses are being seized even for minor issues such as a driver not wearing whites.

Transport companies are now reeling under huge debts with almost 90 per cent of them defaulting on bank loan repayments.

The private bus transport industry in the state is unorganised with a total value of nearly Rs 2,000 crore. Estimates suggest that private bus operators owe around Rs 1,000 crore in loans.

“We had told the government after the Kaleswari bus mishap in July 2012, that we will shut shop and surrender our permits but they persuaded us not to. Now they are on a witch hunt,” an operator said.

Buses were being seized for not having stage carriage permits, which can be given only to the APSRTC. The government had earlier given operators the permits but are now seizing buses. Passengers have been facing trouble for the last four days due to lack of buses during the festival season.

Transport minister Botsa Satyanarayana said, “The government can’t protect any private industry. Whatever action is being taken is in accordance with the law.”