-SATISH HANDA

Information reveals, Haryana Roadways already suffering financial loss worth Rs 600 crore in past has now suffered another loss worth Rs 144 crore due to lock down declared in the state when bus services all over in the has come to halt and hundreds of buses are lying parked in the Haryana Roadway depots across the state since after lock down declared. According to senior officer of department, state government has been forced to increase 15 to 20 paisa each kilometre bus fare in order to recover losses to some extent and keep alive  and provide satisfactory services to passengers travelling in buses and save sinking roadways. He disclosed that bus fare in Haryana Roadways buses is still lesser than the Roadways in other states.

Lot of controversy is going on in the state after the announcement of increase in bus fare by political parties in opposition. According to information, Haryana state government has decided to commence bus service in areas declared  Green Zone observing social distancing protocall. Information reveals that there are 3853 buses plying on roads in the state as well as other states including 3200 buses owned by Haryana Roadways, 150 pink mini buses, 18 luxuary buses and 985 buses hired by roadways on each kilometre scheme in 23 Haryana Roadways depots and 13 Sub Depots in the state. earning revenue worth Rs 3.69 crore everyday towards fare. Haryana Roadways not only suffered heavy financial loss towards fare but also huge amount towards shops, stalls and parking stands on all bus stands given on rent in the state remained closed  during lock down period.

Information reveals, large number of Haryana Roadways buses were deployed on special duty with state health department during lock down period spent heavy amount on diesel as well as maintenance  of buses and not sure if the same would be reimbursed or put another financial burden on Haryana Roadways.