Telangana, AP to thrash out all pending transport issues

Hyderabad: Transport-related problems between Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh are finally getting on the fast track to resolution. These include issues such as RTC, trucks and tourist buses.

Transport ministers from Telangana and AP, Mr Patnam Mahender Reddy and Mr Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, will meet in Vijayawada on May 10 to resolve the issues.

The two panels, meanwhile, constituted by executive directors of the RTCs in both states will meet in Vijayawada, a day after the ministers’ meet to discuss issues related to number of kilometres allowed to TSRTC and APSRTC in the “counter” states.

Before bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the state had counter-permit agreements with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and some other neighbouring states for trucks and tourist buses. Truck owners could obtain a counter-permit by paying Rs 5,000 per annum to offer services like goods transportation in the designated states with multiple trips for one year from the date of issue of permit. Similarly, there was a free run for tourist buses in AP, TN and Kerala states. There are no such agreements between AP and Telangana states.

Mr Syed Ahmed, a lorry owner from Ranga Reddy district, said they pay nearly Rs 4,000 for a single permit to operate lorries between TS and AP.

“The cumulative tax for south India permits is about Rs 10,000 per annum whereas the charge for a National Permit is Rs 16,500. During truckers' strike, the TS government had given an assurance on the matter,” he said.

Similarly, the taxable amount for tourist buses is being born by tourists. This issue is also expected to be resolved after the transport ministers meet.