RTA ignores KRSTC applications for permits: Kamath

RTA ignores KRSTC applications for permits: Kamath

Mangalore Feb 20: Hanumantha Kamath, the president of the Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, said that KSRTC has paid Rs 1,71,900 to the Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for licenses to introduce Volvo buses within the city and also on the Udupi - Mangalore route. Mr. Kamath obtained this information via an RTI application to the Mangalore division of KSRTC.  

Mr. Kamath has also found out that the RTA has received a total of 18 applications from the KSRTC seeking licenses to operate along 103 routes in the district, including the Udupi - Mangalore route, from Nov 4, 2004 to Dec 16, 2009. 

On Feb 5, DC V Ponnuraj stated that the RTA, of which he is the head, has not received a single application for permits to operate buses along the aforementioned routes. 

During a press conference organized on Friday, Mr. Kamath said that the RTA has failed to respond to the applications sent by KSRTC. He informed that the RTA has neither agreed nor disagreed to issue licenses. The applications were not even discussed during RTA meetings and adalats conducted during the past months, he alleged. 

Mr. Kamath has accused the private bus industry of attempting to hinder the introduction of KSRTC buses. Alleging that the authorities have made several concessions for private buses, he said that the authorities pretend not to notice even when certain private buses enter the State Bank bus stand without permits. 

Mr. Kamath has requested the district administration to take immediate steps to introduce KSRTC buses from Mangalore to Udupi, Karkala, Mudipu, and Moodubidri. He said that the matter of the pending applications will be discussed during the next RTA adalat.