Insurance News: Most Punjab Roadways Transport corporation buses run sans insurance cover

While Punjab traffic cops have been penalizing two-wheelers running without mandatory documents, the state police have turned a  blind eye toward 700 buses of Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) which operate without the mandatory insurance  cover.

The buses cover thousands of kilometres every day but there has been no check on violations. Sources said no insurance company is willing to provide insurance cover for these vehicles despite efforts of the department since the buses cause a high number of accidents, thus large number of claims are received.

Departmental records show that several tenders from insurance companies were called thrice but no one showed interest. The department has a total of 1,023 buses, 700 are department-owned, and ply without insurance cover. Remaining 323 buses are privately-owned and operate for PRTC. When contacted, PRTC managing director D P S Kharbanda confirmed the matter. “We have decided to approach the court for directions to insurance companies to provide support to our buses,” he said. All kilometre-scheme buses are maintained very well and insurance companies have provided insurance cover for all 323 buses, sources said.