A 10-acre plot is likely to be acquired to build a scientific driving track at Mudipu
Prepaid autorickshaw counters will start functioning at Mangalore Junction Railway Station and KSRTC Bus-Stand at Bejai here by June-end, according to Regional Transport Officer C. Mallikarjuna.
Participating in a meet-the-press programme organised by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association here on Wednesday, Mr. Mallikarjuna agreed that the prepaid counter could not be started at Mangalore Junction Station by April as promised earlier. However, measures were being taken to introduce full-fledged service by June-end.
The officer said the counter at KSRTC Bus-Stand was not operating as only a few people used the services for most part of the day. There was rush only in the morning and at night. However, “we have told the operator that we will make good the losses.”
Mr. Mallikarjuna said a drive to check vehicles plying with tinted windscreens had begun. He said the rules and the Supreme Court in this regard were clear that no coloured sheets could be added to the glasses at all. However, the glasses could have in-build tint up to 50 per cent. But affixing the film was a violation of laws. It was applicable to all types of vehicles. The offenders would be fined and the RC (Certificate of Registration) of repeated offenders would be suspended, he said.
The officer said a 10-acre plot was likely to be acquired to build a scientific driving track and driving training institute at Mudipu soon. It would also have well-equipped fitness certification centre too.
The RTO would issue driving licences in smartcard form by August when it was likely to get more staff. Saying that carrying workers in “pick up” vans was a common phenomenon in Jokatte where an accident led to the death of several of them recently, he sought more cooperation from people and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited in controlling the menace.
He said action was being taken against 27 vehicles registered in Pondicherry to avoid payment of higher tax and Rs. 1.05 crore of tax had been collected from 11 vehicle owners. Forty-five 45 vehicles registered in other States had been impounded, he said.
The only way to solve the city's parking problem was to build multi-level parking facilities, he said. Mr. Mallikarjuna stated that the RTO office was being redesigned. Modifications were being made to provide better working atmosphere for the overworked staff and improve delivery of services.
Keywords: Prepaid autorickshaw counters
