Irked with the frequent wear and tear of State buses and their increased maintenance cost, Himachal Transport minister GS Bali on Monday said that cash strapped Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is looking for compensation from State Government for the bad roads.
“We are running at a loss and are largest public transport provider. Since the roads are bad in the State, we are incurring huge losses due to the wear and tear of the vehicles,” said Bali, assuring that he will make the corporation a profit making enterprise.
Bali said that new fleet of Volvo buses will soon start running on different routes while some new buses are being taken on wet lease apart from purchase by HRTC. In the next one year, HRTC plans to phase out 300 to 500 old buses.
He added that indiscipline in the department from secretary to common employee will not be tolerated and ordered a special drive by DM traffic to inspect the Dhabas and restaurants where the HRTC buses halt for lunch and dinner.
“If any irregularity is found at any level strict action will be taken,” the minister said, after some complaints were received about Dhabas charging arbitrarily for sub-standard food.
He also sounded a warning to the transport unions to concentrate on work and not in politics as department is considering reasonable demands of the employees.
He said that HRTC has a liability of Rs367 crore from previous Government and employees support and dedication is needed to bring the corporation out of financial mess.