Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has sought permission from the state government to affect a 15 per cent hike in ticket fares. It has demanded the hike be approved stating that it incurs a daily loss of Rs 2.70 crore. Total losses have accumulated to over Rs 2,000 crore, plunging the APSRTC into a financial crisis.
The state-run transporter is incurring these losses due to the poor condition of the buses which break down frequently, high taxation and illegal private operators.
Transport, roads and buildings minister Sidda Raghava Rao said the AP government has turned down the hike proposal. “Bus fares will not be hiked. We will replace old vehicles to cut down losses. We will discuss it with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and take a decision,” he said.
Asked if the state government would take over APSRTC, the minister said this issue would be discussed with the CM. “Our main focus is to pull APSRTC out of the financial crisis by improving its services and checking the private illegal bus operations,” Mr Rao said.
The minister, who held a departmental review meeting on Thursday, said that 4,200-km length of roads in AP have been damaged due to the cyclone.
“Almost all roads in the state are in bad condition. The TD government will repair and renovate all roads and government buildings,” he said.
Stating that outer ring roads and bypass roads would be constructed for all cities and towns in AP, the minister said officials directions have been directed to conduct a survey and lay roads to improve connectivity. He also said vehicles in AP need not change number plates and a detailed review meeting will be held regarding this.
