Orissa to sign agreement with AP for inter state bus service

Bhubaneswar,Sep 10 (UNI) The Orissa government is likely to sign an agreement with its counterpart in Andhra Pradesh for running inter state bus services for the convenience of the people.

Orissa Transport Minister Jayanarayan Mishra told newspersons here today that Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister K laxminaryan was arriving here tomorrow to discuss the issue.

Mr Mishra said, at present, buses were operating in 40 routes between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, adding 74 more routes had been identified for running inter state buses.

''The routes would be finalised after a survey, and an agreement would be signed between the two states,'' he said.

Mr Mishra said the government decided to set up close circuit televisions(CCTVs) in all the 23 inter-state check gates to keep a watch on overloading of trucks.

The minister, who held a discussion with the representatives of the Truck Owners Federations here, said all the check gates would be computerised in line with Gujarat for better functioning.

He said the registration of the transport agencies would be made compulsory, adding the five-year road permits would be issued to trucks operating inside the state.

However, the system of temporary road permits to trucks operating from outside the state would continue.

The government would issue the noise pollution certificate of trucks, along with the fitness certificates, to avoid harassment of truck owners by the inspecting authorities, he further informed.

UNI BD DP SB src2102