Luxury buses gather dust

Guwahati, Jul 26 :  Just when it appeared that Guwahati city transport was getting ready for a makeover with this fleet of luxury buses meant for public conveyance, a new controversy has surfaced.

More than 200 buses purchased under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) are waiting to get a taste of the roads in Assam.

The employees of Assam State Transport Corporation  have filed a case against the government's decision of giving the buses away to the Guwahati municipality.

"In all other states, these buses are being run by state transport corporations but in Assam, the government gave them to municipality corporations, who don't even have the infrastructure to run buses. The buses are lying around because we have filed a case. It is the taxpayers' money, " said K Das, Secretary, Assam State Transport Corporation Workers Union.

Meanwhile, the vehicles have started  breaking down.  With only one caretaker around, petty theft of motor parts have begun already.

"If the buses are to be used, the tires and batteries will have to be replaced," added K Das.
In what appears as a clash between two government departments in Assam , Luxury city buses purchased under a central scheme are gathering dust.

The decision now lies with the court. While the court decides on which agency will finally drive these vehicles on the road , passengers will have to make do with the obsolete transport carriers.