Easing of curbs is no solace to Kozhikode’s private bus operators

Buses’ fitness in question; owners struggle to pay annual insurance, vehicle tax

Long days of disrupted service during the lockdown period has affected the ‘fitness’ of many private buses in Kozhikode district. Despite the eased regulations, it may take several weeks before they resume normal service. There is heavy rush in workshops, which in turn are witnessing a shortage of labourers for the repair works. Replacement of components is putting a huge burden on the already ailing industry. Some bus operators are struggling to renew vehicle insurance. At least ₹70,000 will be required for the renewal of annual insurance for a 48-seat bus. Many of them have demanded waiver of vehicle tax, which comes to around ₹1.2 lakh a year. “Only 750 out of the 1,260 private buses are in the field now, because of the increasing operational cost. The remaining bus owners have stopped services by submitting Form G to the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in their attempt to save motor vehicle tax,” says M. Thulasidas, district general secretary, Kerala Bus Operators Association. He adds that owners of tourist buses have been hit the hardest.