Author: AITC

Trinamool Chairperson urges the people of Malda to put an end to Congress zamindari

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Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee addressed campaign rallies in Habibpur, Malatipur and Harishchandrapur in North Maldah, in support of the candidate Soumitra Roy. In 2011, the Trinamool Chairperson had started the campaign rally for the Assembly Elections from Habibpur.

Ms. Banerjee, in her speech, recalled elections of 2011 when the Trinamool had allied with Congress. The Congress had betrayed Trinamool by putting up independent candidates and thus handing over the Assembly seat to the Left. In all the rallies she urged the people to get rid of the Congress `zamindari` in the area.

She paid tributes to Late ABA Gani Khan Chowdhury and said that she, as a Rail Minister, was instrumental in setting up the Balurghat- Eklakhi train service. She criticized the sitting MP and said that the MP has been absent in these areas throughout her tenure. She asked whether the Maldah MP protested when price of LPG for cooking was raised.

She said that the Congress in the area thinks that people are duty-bound to vote for them. She asked people to remind the Congress that the age of zamindari is over. Everybody is accountable, she added. She reiterated that a lot of work can be done for this constituency but the sitting MP was found missing in action.

The Trinamool Chairperson said that there is a distinct tie-up between the Left and Congress. She asked the audience to bring about Poriborton in Maldah. She urged the people to vote for the Trinamool Congress in order to rebuild Maldah.

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মালদহে গিয়ে এ বার কোতোয়ালির (গনি পরিবারের বাসভবন) দিকে আঙুল তুললেন তৃণমূল নেত্রী মমতা বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়।

বৃহস্পতিবার গনি খান চৌধুরীর পরিবারের দুই সদস্য তথা মালদহের দুই বিদায়ী কংগ্রেস সাংসদের নাম মুখে না আনলেও, বিঁধতে ছাড়েননি মুখ্যমন্ত্রী। মালদহের হবিবপুর, মালতীপুর ও হরিশ্চন্দ্রপুরে তিনটি জনসভায় বলেছেন, “ওঁরা ভাবেন, মালদহের মানুষ ওঁদের ভোট দিতে বাধ্য। এ বার সব জমিদারি চলে যাবে।” দুই কংগ্রেস সাংসদ মালদহেই থাকেন না বলে কটাক্ষ করেন মমতা। বলেন, “এই বসন্তের কোকিলদের একটিও ভোট দেবেন না।“

তৃণমূল নেত্রীর কথায়, “মালদহে দু`জন সাংসদের এত দিন দেখা মেলেনি। এখন ভোট চাইতে বেরিয়েছেন। ওঁদের জিজ্ঞাসা করুন, পাঁচ বছরে দিল্লিতে মালদহের জন্য কত বার মুখ খুলেছেন?”

এ দিন মালতীপুর এবং হরিশ্চন্দ্রপুরে তৃণমূল নেত্রীর সভায় হাজির ছিলেন উত্তর মালদহের তৃণমূল প্রার্থী সৌমিত্র রায়।

Mamata Banerjee alleges conspiracy to kill her: PTI report

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Dismissing the possibility of a short-circuit in her hotel room at Maldah that sparked a fire, Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged there was a conspiracy to kill her and said in the event of her death she would be reborn again “among the people”.

“These people do not want the good of Bengal. After killing me it would be passed on as a short-circuit” as an accidental death. Planning is on,” she said at an election meeting in Birbhum district returning to campaigning after being taken ill after the fire yesterday.

“But know it that the more you to try to character assassinate me and kill me I will be born again among the people,” she said without identifying the conspiring forces.

“You cannot stop me from working for the people,” she added.

Earlier, before leaving Maldah by helicopter Ms. Banerjee told reporters that she was administered oxygen and saline last night after she felt suffocation on account of exposure to smoke.

“But now it is the election time. So I cannot cancel. I am compelled to carry on the campaign,” she said.

Asked whether doctors had advised rest, Ms. Banerjee said, “They have said, but do I listen?”

Narrating the sequence of events, Ms. Banerjee said she heard a loud sound when she was in the washroom. The room was engulfed in smoke and there was no visibility. She called out to her aide Joydeep who wrapped her in a blanket before escorting her out of the room, she said.

Mamata said that the fire brigade officials had told her that it was a deadly gas and one could die by inhaling it.

Trinamool National spokesman and Rajya Sabha member Derek O`Brien said, “We are thankful to the Almighty that Mamata Banerjee is in a position to carry on with her all election programmes today despite the trauma she experienced when a fire broke out in Maldah. We would like to place on record our thanks to people across Bengal and the nation who expressed their concern and kept her in their prayers.”

Peaceful polling in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bengal

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Lok Sabha elections in four constituencies of North Bengal – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Darjeeling were held peacefully. The polling started from 7 AM and continued till 6 PM.

 

The Trinamool candidates for the constituencies were:

 

Coochbehar – Renuka Sinha

 

Jalpaiguri – Bijoy Ch Barman

 

Alipurduar – Dasharath Tirkey

 

Darjeeling – Bhaichung Bhutia

 

The polling percentage in the four constituencies till 5 PM were as follows:

 

Coochbehar – 80.7%

 

Jalpaiguri –  80.6%

 

Alipurduar – 79.4%

 

Darjeeling – 75.9%

 

First phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, Trinamool candidates in the fray in all four seats

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The first phase of the Lok Sabha poll in the state begins tomorrow with over six million people in Coochbehar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling parliamentary constituencies  being all set to cast their votes. Two Assembly bypolls will also be held in Maynaguri and Kumargram in Jalpaiguri.

Star campaigners like Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee, actors Mithun Chakraborty and Dev, have all visited the region turning the contest into a high voltage affair.

Trinamool has fielded four candidates in the four Lok Sabha seats. The Trinamool candidate for Coochbehar is educationist Renuka Sinha. Dasharath Tirkey is the candidate for Alipurduar while former Registrar of rabindra Bharati University, Bijoy Ch Barman is the candidate for Jalpaiguri. Former captain of Indian Football team, Bhaichung Bhutia is the candidate for Darjeeling constituency.

Trinamool Chairperson has campaigned herself in all these seats more than once.

Here are the details of Trinamool candidates for the Lok Sabha polls:

Trinamool candidate for Coochbehar

Trinamool candidate for Jalpaiguri

Trinamool candidate for Alipurduar

Trinamool candidate for Darjeeling

Trinamool Chairperson springs a surprise, visits Mithun`s rally in Malda

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Though film star Mithun Chakraborty was the natural cynosure for his first election campaign meeting in the district at Tantipara under Old Malda municipality area today his leader Mamata Banerjee stole the show after she sprang a surprise by arriving there unscheduled.

 

Barely a day before the Lok Sabha election in Darjeeling, Chief Minister asserted people would vote to nullify the conspiracy to divide the state. “Hill people do not solicit division. We would win the Darjeeling seat hands down,” she said. She once again asked the people to be wary of divisive BJP.

 

 Tearing into Congress, she said  the party had back-stabbed Trinamool in Malda and Murshidabad during 2011 Assembly election. “It dawned on us that time to focus on strengthening our own bases. Hence we are in the fray,” she said.

 

“Previously you voted for Congress but it failed you on all counts. Give us a chance. I promise you Malda would stride along the path of development. Our win would mark our battle for justice from indifferent Delhi,” she continued.

 

 Mithun Chakraborty, who enthralled the audience swinging filmy-style in step with the candidate, singer Soumitra Ray`s tune, said, “Didi wave is sweeping across  and shaking the country. You should strengthen her hands. The more seats she bags, the stronger she would be to develop the state.”

Opposition campaign is like hot-air balloon, waiting to be burst: Trinamool Chairperson at Kumarganj

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Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee began her new leg of campaigning. Over the next 10 days she will be addressing 27 rallies. Today she addressed rallies at various parts of Dakshin Dinajpur district. Speaking at a rally in Kumarganj, the Chairperson asked people to ensure the victory of Trinamool to bring back Bengal`s honour. She slammed the Centre for economically depriving the State. Ms. Banerjee also asked the people to vote against the communal ideology of BJP.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

Firstly, I would like to thank you for attending the rally despite the heat. Elections in Bengal are always held during the summer season. A lot of time is wasted and development work is hampered due to model code of conduct.

I have come to Kumarganj a number of times in the past. The 16th Lok Sabha elections are very important and crucial. We have started a slew of development projects for Dakshin Dinajpur. From land pattas to ITIs, Kisan Bazar to polytechnic colleges, we have done a lot for this district.

Two colleges, two multi super hospitals, a blood bank have been set up in the district. Two fair price medicine shops have been set up at Balurghat and Gangarampur. We have fulfilled the Sachar Committee recommendations for the upliftment of minority community. We have introduced reservations for minorities and OBCs, without touching the General category seats.

We have introduced Kanyashree scheme to encourage girls to pursue higher education. We have already registered 11 lakh girls under this scheme. Our target is 16 lakh. We have started the Yuvashree scheme. One lakh youth can register their names in the Employment Bank. When they get jobs, another 1 lakh will be registered.

The Left incurred a debt of Rs 2 lakh crore. We are paying the interests for that loan. Centre is taking away all our money. We could have generated more employment opportunities. In spite of the financial crunch, we have recruited 1.3 lakh civic police. We do not want alms from the Centre. If Centre stops taking away our revenue, we can do a lot of work with the money.

CPI(M)-BJP-Congress have a secret understanding to cut our votes. You will never find the BJP in our social or religious function, or at times of need and natural calamities. They are only seen before the elections, asking for votes. Trinamool Congress was part of NDA but never bowed its head before their ideology. We saw how BJP and Congress came together for the creation of Telegana. We are against dividing a State without the Assembly`s permission. Congress and BJP can sell this country.

CPI(M)-Congress-BJP have formed an unholy nexus to destroy Bengal. When we are trying to rebuild Bengal, they are trying to stop the work. Some parties are running multi-million ad campaigns. These are like hot-air balloons. Certain sections of the media have sold themselves to the Congress and BJP.

I was part of the Congress. When their actions went against the ideology of the party, I left Congress. We have protested against price rise, increase in fuel prices, FDI in retail. We follow our ideals. That is why other parties dislike us.

The youth will build the future of India. Politics for me is service. Politics stands for secularism. Politics is for the people. Not for selfish motives. Politics is for common people.

I do not subscribe to the politics of hate, violence, division. I believe in communal harmony. I will work people as long as I live. Every vote counts. You vote can change the destiny of your district as well as India. If you vote for BJP, they will fuel communal tension between people. BJP believes in the politics of rioting. I visit temples as well as mosques, church or gurdwara.

This election is for helping Bengal win her honour back at Centre. Bengal is being economically deprived. A lot of people are jealous of Bengal. This is because the excellence of our people.

We have distributed 2 lakh land pattas. We have given homes to the destitute through Geetanjali scheme. We have distributed 2 lakh land pattas. We have set up 45 colleges in 2 and half year. There has been development in every sector.

Ensure our victory in Balurghat. Do not vote for the Opposition, they will not work for you. Vote for us so that we can demand our dues from the Centre. We have set up a Mini Secretariat for the people of North Bengal. No one has worked for North Bengal as much as we have done.

Some people want to divide Bengal by separating Darjeeling. Bengal will never be divided. Darjeeling is our heart. No one can separate the heart from the body. People of Bengal will never allow separatists to win votes on the plank of a separate state. Ensure the defeat of Congress-CPI(M)-BJP in Balurghat on April 24.

We have given 50% reservation to women in Panchayats in Bengal. We will establish Trinamool Congress as a National party. Bengal will decide the future of Delhi. No Government can be formed at Centre without Trinamool`s support.

Despite Centre`s neglect, we are number one in 100-days job scheme. My Government does not work from Kolkata. We take the Secretariat to the people in the districts.

Stay well, give us our blessings.

Congress and BJP say something and do something else: Mamata Banerjee to PTI

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Congress and BJP say something and do something else, Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee told PTI in an interview. 
She said, “let me give you an example of how the Congress and BJP say something and do something else. They have talked about 33 per cent reservation for women in the Women's Reservation Bill. Do you know what percentage of their candidates are women? The BJP has only 8 per cent women candidates and the Congress has 14 per cent. Trinamool Congress is proud to have 27 per cent women candidates. We do not make false promises in our manifesto. Our manifesto is for the people, of the people and by the people,” she said describing the manifesto as `sacred`.

Narendra Modi becoming Prime Minister is a `fantasy`, Trinamool Congress Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee said while dismissing any comparison with her state and Gujarat as a comparison between a rich, privileged child and an undernourished, neglected one. The Trinamool Congress Chairperson also said that a Federal Front government will be formed after the elections.

“His (Modi) becoming a Prime Minister is a fantasy. So, I don't need to answer this hypothetical question,” Ms. Banerjee told PTI in an interview when asked whether she expected better financial treatment in the event of Modi becoming the Prime Minister. “The Federal Front is the future. A Federal Front government will be formed after the elections,” Ms. Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress Chairperson, said.

“Bengal does not need to go with a begging bowl. We are only asking for what is due to us. The demand for moratorium is not new. Even before 2011 elections the Prime Minister had promised to restructure Bengal's burden created by three decades of Left rule,” Ms. Banerjee said. “I and my finance minister had so many meetings, but they did not do anything. They did not keep their promise.”

On comparison of Gujarat with West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress Chairperson said, “Comparing Gujarat with Bengal is like is like comparing a rich, privileged child and an undernourished, neglected one. Some people are talking about the Gujarat model. I must tell you there cannot be any comparison … Gujarat has been developing even before the current Chief Minister. In fact, the growth rate of Gujarat declined during his tenure.”

Ms. Banerjee said she had a lot of love for the people of Gujarat. “Look at our population density and compare. They have 19 ports, we have only two. Even then Bengal model is far better,” she said. Asked how different her approach was from Congress on protecting the rights of minorities, she listed 57 lakh scholarships to minority students and Urdu medium schools.

Alleging that both the Congress and BJP appeased religious groups during election time, Ms. Banerjee recalled how a well wisher had once told her that TMC stood for temple, mosque and church. “I said no. No. Trinamool stands for development and dedication to the people. We work for all.”

She also referred to establishment of fair price shops, web-based procurement policy of medicines, PPP, IT and textile policy, besides the Kanyashree programme to stop child marriage with unmarried girl students getting a grant of Rs 500 per year up to the age of 18 and a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 if they pursue higher education. “We have done more in 34 months than what the Communists have done in 34 years. Our development model is tried and tested in Bengal. It can be implemented in other states as well. This is true federal structure,” she added.

On the campaign trail with… Renuka Sinha

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Renuka Sinha is Trinamool`s candidate for the Coochbehar Lok Sabha seat. She is an educationist.
Cooch Behar Trinamool Congress Unit took out a massive rally last week in the town to campaign for the party`s Coochbehar parliamentary constituency candidate Renuka Sinha. The rally started at the Station More area and circumnavigated the town.
Trinamool web team joined in to chat with the candidate herself:

What was your first reaction when you came to know about your candidature in Lok Sabha election?

Renuka Di: At first I was shocked after hearing that my name was announced as a Lok Sabha candidate. Then I realized that Mamata di has given me a chance to serve Ma, Mati, Manush of Coochbehar. I will definitely work for the people to solve their problems and to make them smile. I have got a great opportunity to reach out to the people and work for their all round development.

This is the first time Trinamool is fighting alone in Coochbehar for the Lok Sabha election. How confident are you in the 4-way fight?

Renuka Di: Development in this district was very poor during the Left Front regime, but due to the change of power in the state, numerous projects have been initiated in the last two and a half years. 3 out of the 7 MLAs in our district are from Trinamool and our party has done well in the Panchayat polls as well. Many workers from other parties have joined Trinamool. We are confident about our victory.

What are the major issues of Coochbehar that you are highlighting in campaign?

Renuka Di: Our district is lagging behind in education, health, agriculture and 

communication. The issue of border enclaves is a matter of great concern for Coochbehar. Another major problem is unemployment; people have to migrate to other states for earning their livelihood. These are the issues of my campaign.
What are your campaign strategies? How are you taking Didi�s messages to the people?
Renuka Di: We are focusing on the major problems of Cooch Behar and informing the people about the development which has taken place during the last two and a half years under our government.
Our organization is very strong. Our leaders were coordinating with every party member and worker. Our Chairperson has instructed us to connect to the common people and spread the news of ongoing development works and also inform them about the evils of past Left government. 
With a lot of young voters this time, are you focussing on social media like Facebook for campaign?
Renuka Di: Yes, we are focusing on the social media. Due to the advancement of technology the young generation is logged on to the net. We are in touch with this young generation through Facebook and other channels, and we are getting good response from them. 
How has been the response from people?
Renuka Di: People are warm when they meet me; they are sharing their problems. I have assured them if I will win, I will definitely try to solve them.
What is your prediction about the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections?
Renuka Di: We are fully confident that Trinamool will win the match.

In pictures: Filing of nomination on 21/03/14

Renuka Di also visited the Madanmohan temple to seek divine blessings before submitting the nomination papers. She was accompanied by the Ma, Mati, Manush of Coochbehar. A padyatra was held till the DM office.


Padyatra in support of Renuka Sinha

 


Renuka Sinha files her nomination


In Pictures: Renuka Sinha`s campaign in Coochbehar


Workers` convention in Coochbehar

 
Taking a break during campaign


Election Campaign at Konamali, Coochbehar at Astami Mela

On the last Sunday before polls begin, Trinamool campaign heats up in Bengal

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The last Sunday before the State goes on polls saw a flurry of last minute door-to-door campaign by the Trinamool candidates in all parts of the State, especially in North Bengal.

The Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee was in Darjeeling on yesterday. She held campaign meetings in support of the Darjeeling constituency candidate for the party Baichung Bhutia at Mall in Darjeeling and at Bagha Jatin Park in Siliguri. Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Mithun Chakraborty was present at both the campaign meetings.

While the party candidate for Jalpaiguri constituenct, Bijay Chandra Barman held padyatras in the Sadar block, the party observer in the district, Sourav Chakraborty and the District Secretary of Jalpaiguri, Kalyan Chakraborty held street corner meetings at different areas.

In Coochbehar, the Trinamool Congress candidate for the constituency, Ms. Renuka Sinha held padyatra and connected with people in Takagach area.

The Trinamool Candidate for the Baharampore constituency, Indranil Sen campaigned in Bishnupur Kalibari area and Madhupur bazaar. The Trinamool candidate for Murshidabad constituency, Mohammed Ali utilized the Sunday by holding workers` meeting at Islampur party office. He then traveled to areas like Govindapur, Kaligaje, Ghoshpara and Chowanpara.

In Krishnanagar, the Trinamool candidate Tapas Pal held meetings at Nagadi and then took part in a Gajon Mela to connect with the people. In Jangipur, the Trinamool Congress candidate Haji Nurul Islam traveled to Suti-1 Block.

In Asansol, the Trinamool candidate Ms. Dola Sen held road shows in the city. In Katwa, Trinamool candidate for the Bardhaman East constituency, Sunil Mondol took to cycles to travel and connect with people.

In Jhargram, Dr. Uma Soren connected with people in her constituency. In Baranagar, the Trinamool Yobo Congress President Suvendu Adhikari was present at a road show to campaign for the Trinamool candidate for Dumdum, Saugata Roy. Sugata Bose participated in padyatras at Bhangar in the Jadavpur constituency.

Here are some images of the campaign:


Abhishek Banerjee at a road show in Diamond Harbour


Bhaichung Bhutia at a rally in Darjeeling


Deepak Adhikary at a road show in Ghatal

CM Jatua campaigning in his constituency

Dinesh Trivedi at Barrackpore

Saugata Roy in Dumdum

Sudip Bandyopadhyay at a road show in North Kolkata

Dr Uma Soren in Jhargram

1000 days at a glance: Rejuvenating the transport sector

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The transport sector is an important component of the economy impacting on development and the welfare of the populations. A relation between the quantity and quality of transport infrastructure and the level of economic development is apparent. The government in last 34 months has taken several measures to improve the infrastructure of the transport department, resulting in continuous improvement in the revenue generation.

Here are the achievements of the Transport department in the last 1000 days:

Administrative re-expansion and reform of transport Department:

(i) For the benefits of common people and also with the view for decentralisation and speedy disposal of works, two new offices of Public Vehicles Department (PVD) have been opened at Salt lake & Kasba. With the same objective, a new motor vehicle office has been opened in each of the 18 sub-divisions across Bengal.

(ii) New branch offices of State Transport Authority, with the aim to speed up the works in 6 districts of North Bengal, have been opened. The tasks mentioned below can be done in these offices; there will be no need to visit the state level offices:-

  • National permit (Goods carriage)
  • Temporary permit (Goods carriage)
  • State contract carriage permit -up to 3 districts
  • All Bengal carriage permit (only for transportation of tourists)

(iii) An integrated and centralized council has been set up for the management of CSTC, CTC & WBSTC.

(iv) Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) has been initiated for the employees of State Transport Corporations and in the first phase 850 employees of 4 State Transport Corporations have been included in the scheme.

(v) Neutral & open-tender system has been started with the view to increase financial revenues and for the holistic usage of unused lands of State Transport Corporations.

Bus-Tram services:

  • More than thousand permits of Buses and Mini-buses have been issued and these have been done with the introduction of an easy and hassle-free system of issuing permits.
  • More than a hundred Bus-services have been started under State Transport Corporations in new routes.
  • Corporate AC Bus-services have been started in many long-distance routes.
  • With the financial assistance of JNNURM, 632 new Bus-services in Kolkata Metropolitan areas, 80 in Asansol-Durgapur areas and 140 in Siliguri-Jalpaiguri areas have been started.
  • AC tram-services have been started in traditional routes.

Taxi Services:

  • Taxi permits for 4000 `No refusal` AC and non-AC new taxis are being issued in Kolkata Metropolitan areas. 
  • Pre-paid taxi service has been started from Railway stations of Kolkata, Howrah, Sealdah & Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Air Services:

  • Regular Helicopter-services have been started between Kolkata and Gangasagar, Bolpur and Santiniketan and from Durgapur, Malda and Balurghat. Facility for pleasure trips on air are also on offer. For this, Pawan Hans Ltd, an India Govt. undertaking, has been appointed on contract basis to make the services available.
  • State Govt. has been providing assistance in many ways to Airports authority of India for the restoration of the regular Air-services between Kolkata & Cooch Behar again; it is also constructing a new culvert on Mora- Torsha to facilitate landing of heavy aero-planes.
  • Government has allowed tax-concessions to help more aero-planes taking flights from Bagdogra, Cooch Behar & Durgapur, State Govt. will not impose taxes if they avail of turbine fuels from these three airports.

Inland Waterways services:

  • New launch services have been started on the Shree Ramakrishna-Ma Sarada-Vivekananda heritage route
  • Pleasure trips or river Hooghly
  • Cargo movement through waterways between South 24 Paraganas & East Medinipur,
  • New ferry service on PPP model on river Ganga – for this additional 06 launches have been brought

Transport infrastructure:

  • Flyover between Nagerbazer and DumDum is now open.
  • A ramp has been constructed to descend on AJC Bose Road.
  • Necessary fund has been allotted to construct 14 jetties and for renovation & development of these jetties
  • Fund has been sanctioned for construction of 29 Bus-stands and terminuses and also for renovation and development of these.
  • Necessary fund has been sanctioned for the construction of Bus-stands in districts.

Revenue:

  • Generation of revenues from transport sector is on the rise for succeeding years now. Revenue generation for the financial year 2011-12 was Rs 986.04 crore, which is 7.5% higher than the previous year.
  • It has gone up even further to Rs 1192.11 crore in the year 2012-13, which is 21% higher than the last year. 
  • For the year 2013-14, the revenue earning has been Rs 993.68 crore till the month of December, which is 17.5% higher than the amount earned till the same period of the previous year.