Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 13: It has transpired that the state government is actively considering a proposal to further enhance fines relating to traffic rule violations.

Speaking to media persons on the issue, deputy chief minister (DCM) Laxman Savadi, said that the central government has already formulated rules regarding imposing of fines on those who violate road rules. "We have discussed this issue in the previous budget session. We are thinking in terms of implementing the said law in the state. At the same time, programmes to create awareness among the road users will be continued to be held. Our efforts will be to bring down the number of accidents and crimes by steeply affecting hike in fines payable," he stated.

DCM Laxman Savadi

Giving information about electric buses, Savadi said that several companies are in talks with the government on this issue. They have been discussing about investment in buses and maintaining them. The companies are agreeable to share 40 percent of profits with the government. We will study the proposals and then take a decision. We are planning to add a fleet of 1,200 buses to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation," he said.

Talking about the vehicle registration tax, he said that as against the target of Rs 7,000 crore, the government got only Rs 1,200 crore this time. He noted that the registration of vehicles during October and December nosedived. He said that the government finds maintenance of Volvo buses to be costly, and hence it prefers to get Leyland and Tata buses in their place.