BENGALURU: Shivakumar, who owns Channapatna-based Jathin Travels, had a fleet of 25 buses but now runs only two.
The pandemic has hit hard, and he has surrendered permits of the other buses because of low demand. Restrictions like night and weekend curfew have not helped either. “People are not travelling and financiers are harassing us if we delay paying EMIs,” Shivakumar said. “Besides, there is tough competition from KSRTC. ”
Shivakumar said an average of Rs 13,000 a bus per day is required for operational expenses. “Prior to Covid, ticket collection was around Rs 15,000 per bus per day, but it has now reduced to Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000. I can’t absorb such losses. ”
He said he has to pay EMIs of Rs 8 lakh, motor vehicle tax of Rs 47,952 per bus every three months, Rs 85,000-Rs one lakh annual insurance per bus, Rs 2,500 daily salary per bus (three staff), Rs 8,500-Rs 9,500 on diesel per bus and maintenance cost (tyres, battery etc) of Rs 1,000 a bus per day.
Shivakumar isn’t alone; many private operators are struggling to make ends meet. Most have surrendered permits, while financiers have seized several buses.
The death of KV Prakash, owner of Prakash Travels in Shivamogga, has highlighted the woes of private bus operators. Prakash is believed to have committed suicide on Monday due to a financial crisis triggered by Covid. In December 2021, Narayana Rai, 66, owner of Avinash Motors, reportedly committed suicide over his prolonged illness at Sullia near Mangaluru.
Manoj Padikkal, a member of Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India, said: “We expect schools to reopen only in June and many school bus operators have decided to quit the business due to lack of revenue. The government should announce a loan moratorium for transporters. ”
Padikkal said he must pay EMIs totalling Rs 16 lakh for 35 vehicles, Rs 2 lakh office expenses per month and Rs 1. 5 lakh a month on parking fees, besides Rs 1. 2 crore insurance a year for 200 vehicles.
“In November 2021, I paid insurance premium for 30 vehicles, but schools closed in December and parents are also not paying fees,” said Padikkal. “Financiers seized five of my buses and I had to approach court to prevent other vehicles from being seized. The situation for transporters is dire. ” L Hemanth Kumar, additional commissioner for transport, said: “We have proposed to extend the deadline for motor vehicle tax by two months. More than 8,000 contracts and stage carriage permits have been surrendered. ”
K Radhakrishna Holla, president, Karnataka State Travel Operators Association, said: “Business has dried up and the government is also imposing so many travel restrictions. The government should reduce motor vehicle tax by 50%. ”
