The Hindu : Front Page : Ban on seven-seaters lifted

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Monday, Jul 04, 2005

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Ban on seven-seaters lifted

Staff Reporter

ESMA invoked; YSR allays fears of travelling public

HYDERABAD: The administrative machinery is gearing up to provide alternative arrangements in view of the indefinite stir with the Government lifting ban on seven-seater autorickshaws and private transport operators in city limits.

The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, asked district Collectors and Superintendents of Police to ensure that no inconvenience was caused to the public. He said steps had been taken for foolproof transportation arrangements and sought cooperation of people.

A control room at the office of Transport Commissioner had been set up. Public transport vehicles would be permitted to operate as stage carriages and that goods vehicles and tractor-trailers could also carry a limited number of passengers for the duration of the strike.

Prima facie, the strike was prohibited in view of orders issued on June 17, 2005, invoking provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), a press release said.

Late in the evening, the Cabinet sub-committee members -- S. Santosh Reddy, Konathala Ramakrishna and Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao -- said the administration in the districts had been asked to tackle emergencies. Protection would be given to staff working during the strike.

Mr. Santosh Reddy said they had issued notifications asking retired drivers of the corporation to volunteer from Monday. Home guards with heavy motor vehicle driving licences would be used and the Police Transport Organisation has been requested to facilitate the matter.

Mr. Ramakrishna said the South Central Railway had been asked to press special trains into service. Transport Commissioners of neighbouring States had also been addressed and sufficient inter-State services would be operated, he said. Administration gearing up with alternative arrangements. Goods vehicles, tractor-trailers can carry passengers. Control room at Commissioner's office (Ph: 23223589).

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