Karnataka Budget: 3000 new BMTC buses not enough, say experts
Experts have also expressed surprise over the inclusion of Metro Phase 1, which is to be completed by April 2017, in the budget.
Bengaluru: Though the budget has allocated more buses for BMTC and KSRTC, experts feel it is not sufficient. They have also expressed surprise over the inclusion of Metro Phase 1, which is to be completed by April 2017, in the budget.
There are no new financial additions to BMRCL’s upcoming work, with the government repeating the 'innovative financing' method employed for Silk Board-K.R. Puram stretch.
3,000 more BMTC buses: “The government says BMTC will have 3,000 more buses. We welcome the move, but we reiterate that the city needs 12,000 buses and half of the existing fares" said Srinivas Alavilli of the Citizens for Bengaluru group.
The government will also introduce 150 electric buses in Bengaluru and 50 in Mysuru. A safety feature of an SOS button and tracking has been added in BMTC's mobile application for women's safety.
The budget has added 3,250 buses to KSRTC, NWKRTC and NEKRTC. In addition, 44 new bus stands, 14 bus depots and training centres will be added to the state, along with a new division at Shivamogga.
Suburban rail in limbo: With the Unionz Ministry of Railways going back on its word to make suburban rail a reality, the budget too presents the earlier sanctioned money while signing the Memorandum between State Government and Railway Ministry. "DULT announced that the MoU will constitute a Special Purpose Vehicle for Suburban Railways, costing Rs 350 crore," the budget stated.
More airports planned: While the work is on for second runway at the Kempegowda International Airport, the work on second terminal will begin soon.
The State Government has also provided 588 acres for upgradation of Hubballi Airport, 370 acres for Belagavi Airport and 286 acres for exapnsion of Mangaluru Airport. Development of air strips at Karwar, Madikeri, Chikkamagaluru will also be done.
No more 2-stroke autos: The two-stroke auto services have been cancelled starting April. A subsidy of Rs 30,000 per auto will be provided, for replacing the vehicles.
Road tax hiked: There will be an increase in two-wheeler tax, for a vehicle costing more than Rs 1 lakh. The tax percentage has been increased to 18 from 12.