The Hindu : Automated services at RTO offices soon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 28, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Automated services at RTO offices soon

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DEC. 27. Fully automated service systems would be set up in the regional transport offices for fast delivery of various services including issue of licences, the Transport Minister, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, said here on Friday. Eye testing would be made compulsory and strict for driving licences.

The Minister said that a computerised system modelled on the `fast centres' of Andhra Pradesh would be used for issue of certificates within a short span of time. This would help to reduce corruption.

He said that the services of a private agency would be used for running the system. A user fee of Rs. 10 would be charged for the services.

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said that the Transport Department proposed to make arrangements for testing of eyes of drivers on roadsides itself. Certificates would be issued on the basis of the test. If the driver fails the test, the licence would be withheld. Checking of vehicles would be shot on video. This would be kept for a month to be used as evidence in case of complaints.

Passenger relief fund

The Minister said that the Government was considering the formation of a relief fund for KSRTC passengers. Assistance would be given in case of death or injury of passengers in accidents.

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said that additional charges were proposed to be collected on long trips for credit to the fund. The charge would be 50 paise for distances between 15 km and 100 km and Re 1 for distances above 100 km.

The aid from the fund would be available to all passengers who meet with accidents while travelling on KSRTC buses. The next of kin of those who die in accidents would be given Rs. 1 lakh. In case of loss of limbs or other disablement, Rs. 50,000 would be given. This assistance would be disbursed without filing of cases or other cumbersome formalities.The stipulations for checking of pollution caused by vehicles would be made more stringent. A photograph of the vehicle would be given with the certificate issued after checking the emission levels. The department would also acquire a mobile checking unit.

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said that the KSRTC had improved its earnings. It would be taking up several modernisation programmes including induction of modern vehicles into its fleet.The Reliance group had shown interest in developing the Thampanoor bus station in Thiruvananthapuram with a shopping complex, parking and other facilities. The Kozhikode bus stand too would be developed in a similar way.

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