Bus connectivity in rural areas vital - Udupi DC

Bus connectivity in rural areas vital - Udupi DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 23, 2015: DC Dr R. Vishal, stated that the RTA - Regional Transport Authority was giving priority to providing bus connectivity to school and colleges in rural areas of Udupi district. He was presiding over the RTA meeting at the District Offices Complex auditorium, here.

The DC Dr. Vishal said that this move would help the students in rural areas to reach either their schools or colleges without hindrance. Besides, the RTA was also giving importance to improving bus connectivity to various pilgrim centres in the district.  He hoped that the bus permit holders would cooperative in extending bus services to the rural areas.

The Deputy Commissioner, who expressed his concern at the rising number of road accidents, urged the owners of the private bus companies, to provide accident insurance coverage and health insurance coverage for bus drivers, conductors and cleaners.

Some banks including the State Bank of India were offering insurance schemes, which could be utilised by the bus owners, he said.  Some residents from Bagina near Hosangady complained that there was no government bus facility to their village, Dr. Vishal said that he would ask the Regional Transport Office to look into the matter.

A private bus owner, urged the Deputy Commissioner to club the meetings of RTA and Road Safety Committee together as the number of private bus owners attending the RTA meeting was less.  Dr. Vishal said that the purpose of the RTA and Road Safety Committee meetings were different and they looked into different aspects of transport. The RTA meeting was quasi-judicial in nature, while the Road Safety meeting was executive in its operation. Hence, it was not possible to club the two, he said. S.B. Surendrappa, Deputy Commissioner of Transport and Senior Regional Transport Officer, was present.