Bus owners cry foul over no-entry rules

RANCHI: A delegation of bus and truck owners accompanied by traders submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner on Tuesday requesting him to consider changes in the new no-entry rules and diversion of routes.
Jharkhand Bus Owners' Association (JBOA) threatened that if their demands are not met by April 23, over 350 buses originating from Ranchi to different places in the state and other states will go on strike till the routes and no entry hours are changed.
"DC KK Soan gave a very patient hearing to us and has asked us to come up with a solution of the problems, so that people are not unnecessarily harassed by traffic jams," said JBOA president Krishna Mohan Singh.
A meeting of bus owners will be held on Wednesday at Khadgarha bus stand in which the issue will be discussed with the bus owners to chalk out future course of action.
At 4 pm, a meeting will be held with members of Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) to discuss the issue and possible solution. "The change in route is forcing the buses to ply extra 20 to 40 km before reaching the bus depot at Khadgarha which is not economically viable for the owners," said Singh.
"Not only are the buses plying extra kilometers but there is unwanted delay and traffic jams at Tupudana and Namkum railway crossing before the vehicles reach bus depot," said Singh.
Jharkhand Truck Owners' Association (JTOA) president Udai Shankar Ojha said truck owners are repeatedly demanding change in no entry hours. "Vehicles remain stranded for 14 hours even after entering the city to unload the goods," said Ojha.
"No where in the country this happens and even in metropolitan cities no-entry rules are for maximum 12-hours. But in Ranchi it is for 14-hours, which is hampering the business interest of owners," added Ojha.