Date:05/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010510120400.htm

Kerala

KSRTC to reschedule convoy services

Staff Reporter

Road Safety Authority Bill in next Assembly session

Training programme for bus drivers gets under way

KSRTC buses have low mileage.

KOCHI. `Convoy services' of KSRTC buses would be rescheduled to enable optimal utilisation of the fleet and help commuters reach their destination on time, said Transport Minister Mathew T. Thomas.

"Monthly conferences are being held in regional centres for the rescheduling," he said, after inaugurating a four-day training programme organised by the Motor Vehicles Department for drivers of private and KSRTC buses at the Aluva YMCA, on Thursday.

Low mileage

He said the mileage of KSRTC buses was low. "KSRTC buses have an average mileage of 4.03 km/litre, as compared to the national average of 5.2 km/l.

The wear and tear and accident rate is very high and all these cause financial burden." Two years ago, the Corporation had joined hands with the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) to impart driving tips to drivers in a bid to boost fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear of vehicles and the number of accidents.

Expressing concern at Kerala registering the highest accident rate in the country, Mr. Thomas said the Road Safety Authority Bill, which empowers the statutory body (RSA) to initiate speedy and effective action to prevent road accidents, would be presented in coming Assembly session.

From 86,000 vehicles in 1970, the State now has 36 lakh vehicles.

The Road Safety Authority will advise the Government on road safety policies, prescribe and enforce road safety standards and procedures, formulate schemes, projects and programmes relating to road safety and coordinate with the agencies concerned, he said.

The existing Road Safety Council was ineffective in checking accidents, the Minister said.

The training programme for bus drivers has been organised in connection with the Road Safety Week.

Mr. Thomas exhorted drivers to go in for an attitudinal change to prevent accidents. "Accidents cannot be reduced by laws and executive orders alone."

The Minister released Sarathi, a book authored by Ernakulam RTO M.N. Prabhakaran on safe driving habits and proper maintenance of vehicles.