Transport Dept’s income up 17%: Raja Warring

Chandigarh, October 21

Completing 21 days in office, Transport Minister Amrinder Singh Raja Warring today said due to concerted efforts the department has registered 17. 24 per cent increase in its income, which amounts to Rs 7.98 crore till October 15.

Also read: Why no word on action against mafia, Raja Warring asks AAP

Tobacco ads removed from buses

Advertisements pertaining to tobacco have been removed from government buses. “If anybody finds any violation of transport rules, he can directly contact me on my personal number,” Warring urged the public.

• Rs400 crore For bus stand upgrade
• 842 New buses
• 800 More to be hired

Inviting suggestions from Cabinet colleagues and MLAs for betterment of the department, Warring said the collection of Punjab Roadways and PRTC was Rs 46.28 crore between September 15 and September 30. It increased to Rs 54.26 crore during the period between October 1 and October 15, he said, adding daily collection of the department increased Rs 53 lakh, approximately.

Stressing the action against tax defaulters and illegal permit holders was justjifiable, Warring said it was necessitated to reinstate people’s trust as the tax which the defaulter bus operators had been evading for the past 10 months was being collected from passengers in the form of tickets.

He further said around 258 buses had been impounded/challaned so far due to non-payment of taxes, illegal permits, documents, etc. And, after strictness against defaulters, the department has collected Rs 3.29 crore as part of pending government tax and majority of the amount deposited by the big companies/operators.

He said the department had conferred more powers to general managers (GM) of bus depots. Apart from RTAs, now GMs have been empowered to check the vehicles in the 500 meters surrounding area of the bus stand. — TNS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.