Punjab's new transport policy to curb "monopolistic" control

The Punjab government led by Captain Amarinder Singh government is planning to announce within two weeks a new draft transport policy that aims to "unshackle" the public transport system from the "current monopolistic control".
Chief Minister Amarinder today chaired took a review meeting of the transport department where he suggested a slew of measures to overhaul the "ailing" transport system in the state, an official spokesperson said.
It is expected that a new transport policy would be announced within two weeks, an official said.
"The policy will have several measures to unshackle the public transport system from its current monopolistic control," an official spokesman said here.

In Punjab, private players have a significant presence in the transport sector. The Badal family, which ruled Punjab before Congress came to power, are learnt to be among the top private players in the transport sector.
In the meeting, chief minister Amarinder suggested several measures including the restructuring of the 22 District Transport Offices (DTOs) and ushering in a transparent system of permit allotment.

The four Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices at Patiala, Jalandhar, Feorzepur and Bathinda will also be restructured to make functioning hassle-free, the spokesperson said.
The new transport policy would be drafted through consultations among stakeholders and would seek to create a level playing field for private players while facilitating unemployed youth, the official spokesman said.

The new policy has to be framed by May 15 as directed by the High Court and will affect 750 private bus route permits, 1,840 extensions beyond 24 km of original routes and 6700 mini bus permits.
Amarinder directed the department officials to professionalise the registration as well as license issuance and renewal services, apart from making the motor vehicle authorities more accountable by bringing them under the ambit of the Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs).
To streamline the licensing system, Amarinder asked the department to expedite the process of digitization of licences and to examine the prospects of outsourcing driving tests.

Tariff and route rationalization would also be undertaken on priority basis. The department was also directed to upgrade the buses to provide a comfortable travel option to the commuters.
Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal suggested the introduction of a fleet of integrated coaches of elite buses to be operated on premier inter-city roads "to end the monopoly of private operators" on these routes.
He suggested CCTV cameras in buses for travel safety.
Manpreet expressed concern at the disparity in registration fee between Punjab and neighbouring states, causing private vehicle owners to opt for registration of their vehicles in other states.

Officials informed him that the disparity would be reduced once GST comes into force.
Under the 'Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme, the state
government will stand guarantee and no collateral would be required for the loan, which the youth would need to repay in five years.
"The department will tie up with major taxi operators such as Ola, Uber for the implementation of the scheme," the spokesperson said.
The department will also subsidize and incentivize youth entrepreneurs under the 'Yaari' Enterprises scheme, to create employment through small enterprises promoted by two or more youth, it was decided.
The department officials revealed that the revenue growth in the state's transport sector in the past 5-7 years had been around 7-8 per cent, with a revenue collection of Rs 873 crores from commercial vehicles and Rs 676 crore from personal light vehicles during fiscal 2016-17.