COVID-19: Public transport in Tripura's Green Zones yet to resume

A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA: The public transport system is yet to begin in Tripura despite six of its eight districts been categorized as Green Zones and as per the norms announced by the Central Government there is no ban on it. However, the restrictions imposed for running buses and other passenger vehicles stand-in the way as the transporters find it not viable.

As per norms declared by the Central Government, as a precaution to coronavirus infection, the passenger vehicles can ply only with 50 percent of its capacity which the transporters say that it won't even realize their running cost.

Transport Minister Pranajit Singharoy on Thursday had a meeting with the representatives of the transporters organizations and discussed the issue in detail but could not reach any final decision. The transporters said in case of running the vehicles at 50 per cent of their capacity, they will have to charge extra fair.

The minister also admitted their difficulties but said doubling the fare in one stroke will be a huge burden on the passengers and how far it will be realistic needs to be assessed. He instructed the Transport department to prepare a report on the matter which he will apprise the Chief Minister before taking a final decision. He said the new fare rate will be fixed, so that, the interest of both the sides is protected. 

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