Udupi: Private Lobby obstruct Manipal – Bajpe Volvo service

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 22 June 2011: The obstruction by private lobby, preventing the Manipal – Bajpe Volvo bus service has caused confusion to the government representatives. The pressure from the private lobby is not just limited to Manipal, but also there is lots of exercise taking place behind the scene preventing the start of Mangalore – Bajpe Volvo bus services.

 

When there has been huge demand for the Manipal – Bajpe Volvo bus service, immediately Manipal University Vice Chancellor Dr. H. S. Ballal wrote to K.S.R.T.C. and Bajpe Airport Officials. Many students were happy. District Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya said that there are no problems from the department to start the Volvo buses.

 

 

But to discourage this plan a silly reason was mentioned that the Volvo buses cannot climb up unto the Bajpe airport. But without buckling to it the K.S.R.T.C. drove the Volvo bus unto the airport. Once it is proved that there is no technical problem to this plan, it again caused worries to the private lobbies.

 

From the taxies the airport is earning about rupees 8 lakhs income, so if the Volvo buses are started this income will be lost, a calculation was put forward as obstruction, but even this did not materialize. But then “Permit” issue came into picture which has now obstructed the start of the Volvo service.

 

Getting a permit is a tough task as the Mangalore – Udupi sector is in the strong control of private bus owners. As per the transportation Officers, since 1981 until now it is very rarely the government buses could get the permit through the RTO. With this history it is unlikely to have the Mangalore – Bajpe Volvo bus service now they say.

 

It is a known fact to everyone that the private buses are trying hard to stop Manipal - Mangalore Volvo buses, but with the fear that if these buses are stopped at once then there could be backlash from the public; the service timing is being purposely being changed now. The Volvo bus service which was available every half hour has been changed to every one hour. If these changes continue like this then someday the Volvo bus service will be added into the pages of history, says a transport department Officer who do not wish to mention his name.

 

With all these issues happening, it seems unlikely to have Manipal – Bajpe Volvo bus service. As the democracy has now come to a stage that things can only be done through the non-violent movement, for these Volvo buses also may be such movement may have to be done? questions the passengers.
Courtesy: Udayavani