For the past 10 days, the Udaipur depot of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) has not received any diesel supply. As a result, buses are being sent out with instructions to refuel at the next available depot. This has caused multiple buses to break down mid-route, creating significant inconvenience for passengers.

According to sources from RSRTC, four depots, including Udaipur and surrounding areas, have not received diesel for the past ten days. The reason cited is that the head office failed to pay the oil depots on time. Currently, oil depots are supplying diesel and petrol only after receiving advance payments. This delay in payment has led to a worsening situation. 

Depots Facing Issues

Reports indicate that a private oil company in Mandar, Gujarat, is demanding a substantial payment from the Roadways. Because payments are not being made on time, depots in Udaipur, Abu Road, Sirohi, Dungarpur, and other locations are experiencing a shortage of diesel. As a result, these depots are facing significant challenges due to the diesel supply issue.

Two days ago, a bus from Udaipur, instructed to refuel at the Rajsamand depot, stopped just 20 kilometers into its journey at Kailashpuri. The driver had to pull the bus off the road, and passengers were transferred to other buses from Bhilwara and nearby depots.

To keep operations running, diesel is being sourced from other depots. However, frustration among Roadways employees is growing. The Udaipur depot’s operations manager is sending daily messages to driver groups, advising caution. Drivers have been instructed to refuel at the nearest depot. The messages also warn drivers that they will be held responsible for any breakdown if instructions are not followed. The situation remains unresolved, causing growing concern for both employees and passengers.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika