"Slow, Painful" Nationalization of Transport in Ceylon
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WHAT the All Ceylon Omnibus PV Companies Association describes as " an insidious attempt on the part of the Government to nationalize the bus industry by a slow and painful process," is proposed by Sir John Kotelawala, Minister of Transport and Works, in Ceylon.
The Government has adopted a new policy towards transport and will promote three Bills. One of them will ll
deal with all matters relating to motor traffic, ti e second will concern bus operation and the third will deal with road gods transport. Sir John told transport operators that, under the new condition, they might not stand to benefit asrmuch as they had done in the past. Road and rail must be effectively co-ordinated to help the railways.
The All Ceylon Omnibus Companies Association has asked the Government to "complete nationalization in one stage and at once, the present operators being paid compensation calculated on the same principles obtaining in other civilized dountries."
Alternatively, the Association asks that the existing operators should he allowed t run their services under the present c nditions for 10 years. after
which the Government could take over their undertakings on its Own terms.
The East Punjab Government's decision to nationalize road transport has also brought protests from operators. It is stated that, at present, the Government will nationalize the Pathankot group of companies and those operating on the Kalka route. Compensation will be paid at the rate of Rs. 1.000 per licence.
The Central Goveroment in New Delhi is said to have been surprised that the East Punjab Government had decided to nationalize road transport by groups, The Traffic Investigation Special Committee of Cochin, South India, has recommended the nationalization of three bus routes.
The Transport Department of the United Provinces Government has called for a detailed report on the proposal to introduce a bus system in Allahahad. At present, only Lucknovv. largest city of the Provinces, has a bus service. When this was introduced, there were two strikes of owners of pony, carriages and rickshaws.
There are proposals to introduce bus services in other U.P. towns.