Latest news with #Kalangutkar
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mhaji Bus Scheme revamped, but sops aggrieve pvt operators
Panaji: Goa govt has relaunched the Mhaji Bus Scheme with some changes. To be implemented by the directorate of transport and Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), the scheme offers several forms of support to bus operators. But on Friday, private bus operators voiced their displeasure at being excluded from the decision-making process. The approximately 1,120 bus operators in the state are planning to meet on Sunday to discuss their grievances and prepare a list of demands they want included in the Mhaji Bus Scheme. As of now, the revised incentives include a subsidy per kilometre, wherein bus operators will receive a subsidy of Rs 3 per kilometre for every kilometre operated. There is also an insurance subsidy, wherein operators can avail themselves of a 50% reimbursement on the annual insurance premium, up to Rs 30,000. However, the president of the All Goa Stage Carriage Bus Owners' Association, Sudesh Kalangutkar, questioned the adequacy of the subsidy. 'Govt wants to frame policies for the transport sector without taking bus operators into confidence,' he said. 'Diesel rates are extreme today, how can Rs 3 per kilometre be enough for us?' The relaunched scheme offers a bus replacement option, wherein operators who need to replace buses older than 15 years will receive assistance of Rs 10 lakh to purchase a new bus with a minimum seating capacity of 27. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo But Kalangutkar said that several private buses remain off the roads, unable to resume operations after the Covid pandemic. 'Govt should first consider helping operators by bringing these buses back on the roads, rather than introducing new schemes that create more problems,' he said. He added, 'There are pending fuel subsidies worth Rs 18 crore, which govt is yet to release.' As for the spruced up scheme, operators will retain full fare revenue, with no obligation to remit any amount to KTC. The scheme outlines several operational norms, such as continuous operation, where operators must ensure their buses are in service for the entire year. In cases of maintenance or breakdown, operators are required to provide alternative buses. Operators must employ qualified conductors in uniform, who will be responsible for managing automatic ticketing machines on board. All buses must be equipped with a vehicle location tracking device to ensure real-time tracking and security. Additionally, the buses will be required to repaint their vehicles in KTC's branding scheme for better visibility. To benefit from the scheme, operators must submit an application to the managing director of KTC. Approved operators will be issued a letter of empanelment and will be required to sign an agreement with KTC. All buses will undergo regular inspections by the directorate of transport to ensure compliance. Private bus operators wishing to participate in the scheme must hold a valid stage carriage permit issued by an RTO in Goa. They must operate buses that are not older than 15 years at the time of registration and must maintain valid fitness certificates, comprehensive insurance, and proof of up-to-date road tax payments. Operators can earn 50% of the revenue generated from advertisements displayed on their buses. KTC's smart transit passes and cards will be accepted on all buses under the scheme. The amount collected through these passes will be reimbursed to operators.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
16-year-old from Tivim heeded strict dhond code, killed in lethal chaos
Bambolim: Rajesh Kalangutkar, who lost his 16-year-old nephew Aditya in the stampede, told TOI that the teen became a dhond (devotee) only two years ago and was looking forward to the jatra. Aditya, from Tivim, diligently followed all the observances such as staying vegetarian for a month and fasting for five days in the run-up to the festival. 'His face was smashed as he fell, and people then tumbled over him,' Kalangutkar said. 'We never expected his end to be like this. He was a strong devotee and went to the jatra to seek blessings but died due to govt's mismanagement.' Kalangutkar added, 'He was just a young boy and the only son. His family had big ambitions for him. He had recently cleared his Class X examinations.' He said the family's 'only appeal to govt is for it to accept its mistake to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated'. This year, Kalangutkar said, there was an addition of 1,000 to dhond numbers. 'The administration shouldn't have taken things for granted. They should have been more prepared,' he said. 'People who went to seek blessings haven't come back. Govt should learn a lesson from this.' A strong police presence was required when dhonds walked through the homkund, Kalangutkar said. Sudansho Haldankar told TOI that his 54-year-old uncle went to help a woman who fell at the jatra and he himself was trampled in the stampede and was sent to GMC. 'He felt suffocated and his ribs were injured. He is currently on oxygen,' Haldankar said.
