Punjab fails to announce transport policy, CM orders quick action against illegal buses

CHANDIGARH: Irked over reports that transport mafia headed by Badal family is still ruling in Punjab, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today ordered immediate removal of all illegal buses plying in the state from the roads and has asked the RTA and the Vigilance Department to submit an action-taken report on the same within 10 days.
Most of the officers appointed by Badal family in transport department are still continuing in their psots and serving the interests of Badal family. The transporters connected with Congress are also gaining from the benefits extended to Badal family. The Chief Minister reportedly took notice of reports in this regard in the media and took up the matter in the cabinet meeting. Punjab government is yet to finalise transport policy as ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to cancel all illegally extended routes benefitting main transporters (like Badal family).
An official spokesman said that taking serious note of reports of a large number of illegal private buses plying on Punjab roads, the Chief Minister directive the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to check all such buses, which pose a serious danger to the lives of innocent people, and ensure that they are removed from the roads without further delay.
Noting that these buses were plying in blatant violation of the rules, the Chief Minister made it clear that no laxity in the matter would be tolerated and officials found guilty of dereliction or complicity would have to face penalization and punishment.
Reiterating his commitment to eliminating all mafias from the state, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern at media reports that the transport mafia continued to run unchecked and warned the transport department of strict action if they failed to take the necessary action to end the rampant violation of the transport rules and regulations. The Chief Minister also directed the Vigilance Department to identify such operators and take action against them.
He also called for expediting the transport policy being finalized by the department to clean up the mess on the state’s roads to ensure that the safety and security of commuters is not compromised any further.