Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

State justifies RTC depots' closure

Special Correspondent

RTC makes profit because of efforts of Congress: Kanna Lakshminarayana

HYDERABAD: Transport Minister Kanna Lakshminarayana on Thursday justified closure of eight of the 212 depots of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) in the State, saying it was in tune with the ongoing reforms and improving operational efficiency.

Replying to a debate on the issue in the Assembly, Mr. Lakshminarayana said the credit for pulling the APSRTC out of the losses should go to Congress. Its profit now stood at Rs. 95.44 crores and the occupancy ratio (OR) 70 per cent.

He recalled that when Congress took over in 2004, the corporation had operational losses of Rs. 224 crores and 60 per cent OR.

Earlier, leaders of various political parties wanted the Government to reopen the depots.

Telugu Desam member Dhulipala Narender Kumar who initiated the debate said Ponnur depot in his constituency, which performed better than many other depots, was closed.

But several other depots in the region/district which incurred more loss were spared.

Illicit operations

Komatireddy Venkata Reddy of Congress wanted the corporation to reconsider closure of Narketpally depot in Nalgonda district. CPI (M) member M.A. Gafoor said the Government could not escape by blaming the previous Government.

It should curb illicit operations with an iron hand and reduce motor vehicle tax further.

CPI leader Chada Venkat Reddy sought reduction in sales tax (ST) on diesel. Majis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Akbaruddin Owaisi wondered why the RTC was closing depots when the overall OR was on the rise, from 60 per cent in 2003 to over 70 per cent now.

After the House was adjourned, members of the TDP, the TRS and Left parties came out shouting slogans demanding reopening of the depots.

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