BILASPUR: The High Court of Chhattisgarh sought answers on personal affidavits from the Transport Secretary and Commissioner as to what steps have been taken to improve the public transport and roads for the common people. When will the e-buses be operational? The next hearing is on August 21.

Taking cognizance of matters related to public interest, the High Court was hearing the PIL regarding the poor condition of public transport and roads. The court suo motu had filed the PIL.

Based on media reports, out of 378 buses running in 9 cities of the state, now only 272 buses are left, out of which 106 buses are not working and out of these only 70 to 80 buses are operational.

On behalf of the government, the Additional Advocate General said the city buses run only in the municipal area. The double bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Aggarwal asked the government when the condition of transport in the state would improve. The judges said cows are found on the roads, the buses on the road are also in bad condition.

The court said the number of buses in a big state like Chhattisgarh is few. Even in the buses that are running, safety of passengers and theft have not been ensured. The court asked to operate the bus services between two cities, so that the common man can travel safely and conveniently.

The government’ lawyer said that 240 PM e-buses will arrive in the coming few months. He expressed hope of improvement in the bus service. The court has asked the Transport Secretary and Commissioner to reply with an affidavit. The next hearing will be on August 21.

The court was also stern on the condition of roads. Earlier, Chhattisgarh High Court had ordered PWD SDO Bilaspur to submit an affidavit regarding land acquisition near Sendri Bypass as per the previous order. Apart from it, the amicus curiae had also presented before the court a report on the condition of roads between Mungeli to Pandariya, Pandariya to Kawardha and Kawardha to Mungeli.