Haryana Roadways, under the new transport policy, will now hire buses from private operators to provide efficient and economical services to passengers on routes, for which there have been a long standing demand.
Addressing press conference here on Thursday, Haryana transport minister Krishan Lal Pawar said the Haryana Roadways will have the entire operational control on these buses.
“People have been raisi-ng demand to start bus service on different routes for a long long time. To ca-ter to the need of passengers, it has been decided to avail of the services of buses of private operators in the fleet of Haryana Roadways,” he said, while announcing the state’s new transport policy.
At present, the minister said, Haryana Roadways has a fleet of 4,200 buses which would be increased to 5,000 by the end of this year. “The orders for purchase of 300 new buses have already been given, while the rest would be bought later,” he added.
Mr Pawar said, initially there is a proposal to hire 500 private buses under the scheme, but the number could increase as per the demand.
Everyday about 17 lakh passengers travel in the state roadways buses as against a demand of 40 lakh passengers.
Besides increasing the number of buses, the government has began the process for recruitment of 725 new drivers and 636 other technical staff.
“Requisition has been sent to Haryana Staff Selection Commission for recruitment on regular basis,” Mr Pawar said.
Giving details about the new policy, he said state transport department will hire buses on per kilometre basis.
Maximum five buses wo-uld be hired from any person, firm, company, registered society or any other legal unit, through online e-tendering to ensure complete transparency.
He said preference would be given to old permit-holders of buses for hire purposes provided that they apply through the e-tendering process.
