Govt assures full support to bus and car operators in coming out of economic slowdown due to coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday assured the bus and car operators that the government is fully aware of their problems amid the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown, and will fully support them to mitigate their issues. He said that he is in regular touch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are working overtime to uplift the economy during these difficult days of COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the members of the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India through video conferencing mode, Gadkari said, the opening of transport and highways will go a long way in instilling confidence among the public. He said public transport may open soon with some guidelines. He, however, cautioned towards maintaining social distance and adopting all safety measures like hand wash, sanitizing, face masks, etc while operating buses and cars.

Responding to concerns raised by the audience, the Minister informed that his ministry is looking at adopting the London model of public transport, where government funding is minimal and private investment is promoted. He also pointed out towards the poor standards of Indian bus and truck bodies which he said, work for only 5-7 years, whereas the European models last for up to 15 years. Gadkari emphasized upon adopting their good practices, which will also be economically viable for the indigenous industry in the longer run. 

The Minister said he is aware of the tight financial condition of the Indian market during the ongoing pandemic. But, he said, all stakeholders will have to work together to combat it. He pointed towards a very good business opportunity being offered by the world industry, which is trying to wriggle out of the Chinese market. He said the Indian industry should grasp this opportunity to invite those foreign companies to invest with them in India. He expressed confidence that the country and its industry will together win both the battles – the one with Corona, and the one with the economic slowdown.

Members of the confederation made suggestions for improving the condition of public transport which include extending interest payment exemptions, restarting public transport, extending age, life limit, deferring state taxes, extending MSME benefits, extending insurance policy validity, etc.