Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 14: Karnataka has been recognised as the state with the highest number of vehicle test tracks in the country, and the government is committed to establishing fully automated driving test centres across all districts, said transport and muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy.
He was speaking after inaugurating a newly built electronic vehicle driving test track centre near Kambalapadavu on July 13. "This automated test track has been constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore in response to public demand. Similar projects have already been completed in Dharwad, Koppal, Dandeli and three other locations. Work is progressing in Belagavi, Raichur, Devanahalli, Kolar, Hospet, Ballari, Vijayapura, and other districts,” he said.
Social security board for motor transport workers
Reddy noted that Karnataka has set up the country’s first Social Security Board for motor transport and other workers to ensure welfare measures are extended effectively.
Centre’s subsidy model offers no benefit to state
The minister pointed out that the earlier UPA-led government at the Centre had proposed a cost-sharing model for electric buses with 50% subsidy from the Centre, 25% from the state, and the remaining 25% from the transport department. "However, under the current scheme, the subsidy goes directly to the manufacturers, leaving the state government with no financial benefit. We urge MPs and central ministers from Karnataka to push for a more beneficial model where states get GST and power concessions too. This would make electric buses more affordable and benefit our consumers," he said.
New infrastructure to boost local development
Legislative assembly speaker U T Khader noted that the recent foundation-laying for a fire station near Kambalapadavu, and now the inauguration of the electronic driving test track, are clear indicators of developmental progress in the region.
The event was attended by Abhayachandra Jain, Mamatha Gatti, A C Bhandary, Dr N V Prasad, A M Yogeesh, Umashankar, Rajesh Shetty, Bheemanagouda Patil, Sridhar Malad, N Vishwanath, Charan, and Chandrhas Karkera. The minister symbolically distributed laptops to village administrators on behalf of the government.
Mallikarjun welcomed the gathering, Mohammad Rafiq proposed the vote of thanks, and Prasanna compered the programme.
Mangaluru to get 100 electric buses
MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that under the Prime Minister’s e-Bus Seva Yojana, the Central government led by Narendra Modi is promoting the use of electric buses to curb vehicular air pollution. “Of the 750 electric buses sanctioned to Karnataka by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, 100 have been allocated to Mangaluru. These eco-friendly buses will soon operate on various city routes,” he said.