The Hindu Business Line : New driving licence system proposed

The new system
"The problem in implementing this system of licensing is the lack of adequate space for laying the driving tracks. The Transport Department is working on this matter. To begin with, we want to set up such tracks in major centres such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore and Belgaum."

Mangalore , March 4

The Transport Department in Karnataka is planning to introduce a new system of issuing driving licences.

Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, the Karnataka Transport Minister, Mr Cheluvarayaswamy, said that such a system is already in place for the drivers of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Before getting a driver's licence in KSRTC, the employee will have to give a trial on the specially made tracks of the KSRTC.

The Government is planning to introduce such a system for the general public, where people applying for licences will have to undergo a trial on the designated tracks.

"However, the problem in implementing this system of licensing is the lack of adequate place for laying the driving tracks. The Transport Department is working on this matter. To begin with, we want to set up such tracks in major centres such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore and Belgaum," he said.

Stating that the offices of the regional transport officer (RTO) are situated in rented buildings in most of the centres in the State, he said all the 13 offices of RTO in Bangalore are in rented buildings.

Around four to five acres of land is required for laying such tracks, he said.

Asked about the vacancy in Transport Department, the Minister said 150 posts of inspectors are vacant in the department.

Funds sought

Stating that the Transport Department wants to provide more facilities to people, Mr Cheluvarayaswamy said that his department has submitted a proposal to the State Finance Department to allocate around Rs 400 crore in the Budget. The department wants to improve transport infrastructure, including the construction of new bus stations and depots, renovation of some of the existing ones and purchase of new buses.

The Government will give importance for providing transport facilities in rural areas. In this regard, the Transport Department wants to spend around Rs 50 crore by the end of March, he said.

Of the four transport corporations in the State, KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation are making profits. Steps will be taken to bring the remaining two corporations - North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation and North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation - on the track of profit.

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