CHENNAI : Transport Minister K. N. Nehru on Wednesday categorically said there were no plans to privatise the Government-run transport corporations.

Speaking at a transport department function in Tondiarpet, he said, "rumours have been doing rounds that the Government is planning to privatise the public transport corporations through back-door measures. On the contrary, we have acquired new buses and introduced new routes. I appeal to employees not to believe such rumours."

Mr. Nehru, accompanied by Fisheries Minister K. P. P. Samy, and senior transport officials, inaugurated the upgraded Regional Transport Office (North-East) in Tondiarpet. Until now, the office had only a Motor Vehicle Inspector. From now, residents of the area can approach the office for getting and renewing their licences as well.

The Ministers distributed the first set of learners' and final licences.

Takes a dig

The Transport Minister also took a dig at the previous AIADMK Government by pointing to a private petrol bunk that was coming up right in front of the new transport office on the Tiruvottiyur High Road.

"The land belongs to the Transport Department. The previous Government had let it out on a 99-year lease'', he said, querying why the transport unions did not talk about `back-door' privatisation then.

Appeals for `ticket culture'

Responding to a demand for additional new buses and services for the north Chennai region, Mr. Nehru said the focus should be on encouraging ticketing culture before making such demands.

"The Metropolitan Transport Corporation officials say they get poor returns on north Chennai services because not all commuters purchase tickets."

Transport Commissioner C. P. Singh, Joint Transport Commissioner K. Yogarajan and Chennai Corporation councillors P. Ravi and Padma Bhoopalan were present.

K. Mohan Ram, RTO (Enforcement), has been handed the additional charge of RTO (North-East).

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