Action against illegal private buses will continue, says Punjab Transport Minister Raja Warring

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 15

Punjab Transport Minister Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday said the clampdown on private operators – who were running illegal buses – had already resulted in an increase in the income of the state-run Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC).

The minister ndash; during his early-morning inspection-cum-visit of the Patiala bus stand – said the government would continue to impound all private buses running without paying taxes. “We will not spare anyone. The department will impound private buses that don’t pay taxes. The clampdown yet far is just the beginning. The action against illegal private buses will continue,” said Warring.

He assured the PRTC employees that he would work day and night to uplift the PRTC.

The minister claimed that there were still many private buses running on the roads without paying taxes. “In the coming days, we will fix the accountability of the government officials of the area under whose jurisdiction private buses are found running without paying taxes,” he said.

It has been learnt that the PRTC daily income has gone up from Rs 1.7 crore to Rs 1.87 crore. The minister attributed this to the collective efforts of everyone.

After interacting with the PRTC employees at the depot, the minister went to Patiala bus stand, metres away, and enquired from the passengers about the problems faced. Warring also inspected toilets at the bus stand.

Following a complaint, the minister went to a shop and found that packaged food items were being sold at higher prices than the MRP. Warring directed the Patiala General Manager to take action against the violators.

Conductor honoured for his work

PRTC conductor Milkha Singh, 28, was honoured by the minister for being the best conductor in the organisation. The minister gave Rs 5,100 from his own pocket to the conductor for his dedication and tireless work. Milkha Singh, said, “I am very happy, and the gesture will motivate me and other employees to work hard.”

Minister enjoys tea at a stall

Refusing to have tea at the AC room, the minister ndash; along with Patiala Mayor Sanjeev Sharma Bittu ndash; sipped tea at a stall at the bus stand. The minister discussed various issues related to the improvement of the Patiala bus stand.

Action against illegal private buses will continue, says Punjab Transport Minister Raja Warring
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