VIJAYAWADA, Jun 11:In what could be seen as applying brakes to the business of private bus travels operators in Andhra Pradesh, the Arunachal Pradeshgovernment cancelled permits to as many as 900 buses that operate in both AP and Telangana.
On June 6, the Arunachal government cancelled permits of both tourist and sleeper coach buses on the grounds that they do not operate in the state where they were registered. Senior APSRTC officials pointed out that most of the private travel operators obtain bus permits from northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur since fee for the permits is far less in comparison to the fees in AP and Telangana.
Sources said the Arunachal government took the decision following series of complaints from local transporters also after they pointed to the fact that their business is getting affected. "They also wanted the government to take action against illegal travels buses from other states," sources said and added that private operators have been specifically told to obtain permits from AP and Telangana.
According to a senior RTC official, four Arunachal Pradesh transport department officials have been suspended as they issued permits without proper verification. "There are 2,500 buses belonging to various states which are awaiting granting of permits. Since the origin and destination of the above 900 buses do not belong to Arunachal Pradesh, the government there cancelled the permits," said the transport official.
Also, private travel operators who obtained permits from Arunachal Pradesh government under contract carriage permit are operating in two states as stage carriers, which is illegal. "Many times we conduct enforcement drives to put an end to the illegal operation of the buses," said Krishna district deputy transport commissioner E Meeraprasad.
Meanwhile, the Private Travel Operators Association said the Arunachal government move is unacceptable and they are planning to move the court.