K'taka to roll out comprehensive Transport policy: Minister

Bangalore, Nov 11 (UNI) Karnataka will unveil a 'State Transport Policy' to provide better services and facilities to the commuters, Transport Minister R Ashok said today.

Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' programme, jointly organised by Bangalore Press Club and Reporters Guild here, he said the proposed policy would address all problems, including dealing with reckless driving, punishing erring vehicle operators and tax evaders.

A survey was being conducted to know the per-capita public service buses available presently in the state in order to increase it to the norms to be fixed later, he said.

The minister said the proposed draft policy, being shaped would be placed before the state cabinet for approval.

''The new transport policy, first of its kind in the country, would likely to come into effect within one or two years,'' he said.

Replying to questions, he said the new transport policy would also address the need of taking social security measures for those unskilled employees connected with the transport sector.

He said he had instructed the BMTC, state-owned organisation that runs city buses in Bangalore city, to start dedicated bus services for the benefit of senior citizens, who enjoy 25 per cent concession in bus fares.

The minister also asserted that he would not go back on the decision to ply state-run city buses in Mangalore, the port city in Karnataka.

''We will not buckle under any pressure being put by the private transport operators,'' he said.

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